Agricultural Management integrates principles of economics, business, and sustainable agriculture to equip students with the skills needed to lead and innovate in the dynamic agri-food sector. This discipline covers key areas such as agricultural economics, farm business management, food systems management, and extension and rural resource management. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in agribusiness, rural development, policy-making, and food value chain management, addressing both local and global agricultural challenges. With a strong emphasis on practical and strategic decision-making, the programme fosters professionals capable of driving productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture and related industries.
Agricultural Management includes sub-disciplines such as Agricultural Economics, Farm Business Management, Food Systems Management, and Extension and Rural Resource Management, all aimed at strengthening agricultural systems and supporting rural communities.
Agricultural Economics applies economic principles to solve agricultural and agribusiness problems. Our degrees equip graduates for professional and senior management positions, and are highly valued by employers. They give our graduates the flexibility to pursue a wide range of career opportunities.
This programme is designed to build the capacity of extension services through the provision of training and education that is relevant to the urgent issues facing agricultural and rural development. The programme offers a powerful combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agricultural extension, rural development, project management, agricultural production and farm economics and management.
Why Study Agricultural Management at UKZN?
The Agricultural Management at UKZN equips students with cutting-edge knowledge in agribusiness, farm economics, and sustainable food systems management. Our interdisciplinary programme blends rigorous academic training with practical applications, preparing graduates for leadership roles in commercial farming, agri-processing, agricultural finance, and rural development. You’ll gain hands-on experience through our modern research facilities and industry partnerships while addressing critical challenges like food security, climate-smart agriculture, and rural transformation in the African context. UKZN’s strong industry connections and research excellence ensure our graduates are highly sought-after by agribusiness firms, development agencies, and government institutions across Southern Africa.
This qualification opens diverse career paths including agricultural extension, commodity trading, farm management consultancy, and agri-policy development – all while contributing meaningfully to South Africa’s agricultural sector and broader food value chains.
[UKZN’s agricultural programmes are accredited by SACAU and align with national development priorities in the Agricultural Policy Action Plan.]
(For detailed module information, please consult our current College Handbook)
The three-year undergraduate, focused programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agricultural Management is offered on the Pietermaritzburg Campus.
A one-year specialist programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours). A minimum of 50% must be achieved at BSc level to gain admittance to Honours.
A Master of Science programme is offered, whereby students engage in research under the supervision of an academic staff member. A minimum of a BSc Honours degree or equivalent must be achieved to be considered for this programme. This is typically two years of full time study.
A Doctor of Philosophy programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically three years of full-time study and normally follows on from a Master of Science Degree.
We have a number of research groups that specialise in areas of research in Agricultural Management.
UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.
To apply, please visit our School’s Undergraduate or Postgraduate page for step-by-step instructions, downloadable application forms, and the online application link.
Academic Leader
mudhara@ukzn.ac.za / 033 260 5673
