Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics
Overview
This programme is offered from the Pietermaritzburg Campus. The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural Economics is to produce graduates who understand economics, finance and business management and who are able to apply their knowledge at farm, agribusiness and policy levels. The programme reflects both the humanities and the sciences, explaining the importance of understanding the ways in which the agricultural sector functions.
SAQA
81131
NQF LEVEL
08
DURATION
4 Years
CAO CODE
KN-P-SAE
CLOSING DATE
30 September
DISCIPLINE
Entry Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Degree (Pass).
- APS score of no fewer than 28 points.
- Engl, LO, Maths & Agric Sci or Econ or Life Sci or Phys Sci 4.
Modules
Semester 1
- The Smaller Side of Life – BIOL101 (16 Credits)
- Principles of Microeconomics – ECON101 (16 Credits)
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- IS&T for Business – ISTN101 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Life on Earth – BIOL102 (16 Credits)
- Principles of Macroeconomics – ECON102 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Statistics – STATS130 (16 Credits)
Elective (Recommended elective):
- Development and Applications Fundamentals – ISTN103 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Intermediate Macroeconomics & Applications – ECON201 (16 Credits)
- Farm Management – AGEC220 (16 Credits)
- Sampling and Nonparametric methods – STAT221 (16 Credits)
- Accounting 101 – ACCT101 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Agribusiness Finance and Marketing – AGEC270 (16 Credits)
- Intermediate Microeconomics & Applications – ECON202 (16 Credits)
- Accounting 103 – ACCT103 (16 Credits)
16 credits from:
- Introduction to Plant Production – AGPS200 (16 Credits)
- Pig and Poultry Production – ANSI201 (16 Credits)
- Beef and Dairy Production – ANSI209 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Agricultural Development – AGEC380 (16 Credits)
- International Economics – ECON306 (16 Credits)
32 credits from:
- Field Crop Management – AGPS305 (16 Credits)
- Orchard Management – AGPS307 (16 Credits)
- * Mathematical Economics – ECON315 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Production Economics and Price Analysis –AGEC370 (16 Credits)
- Quantitative Economics – ECON314 (16 Credits)
- Macroeconomic Policy in South Africa – ECON309 (16 Credits)
16 credits from:
- Development Economics – ECON370 (16 Credits)
OR
- Other Level 3 elective
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Research Methodology and Linear Programming – AGEC750 (16 Credits)
- Multiple Regression Analysis – BMET314 (8 Credits)
- Multivariate Analysis – BMET316 (8 Credits)
Level 7 elective:
- Management Research Project and Seminar (Year-long module) – AGEC791 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Agricultural Policy Analysis – AGEC740 (16 Credits)
- Level 7 electives (32 Credits)
- Management Research Project and Seminar (Year-long module) – AGEC791 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
- Total Credits for Qualification: 512
What do they actually do?
Agricultural Economists are concerned with understanding the economic activity within the agricultural sector. They provide forecasts of economic outcomes, assess the current agricultural standing of any area and use that information in relation to the economic situation. Agricultural Economists gather data and offer advice and strategies for businesses and individuals within the agriculture sector.
They also monitor the agriculture industry and the factors that could affect production. Agricultural Economists can specialise in farm management, crop and livestock production economics, environmental economics, policy analysis, agribusiness, food safety, international trade, rural development, and marketing systems.
Areas of Employment
- Agricultural boards and development corporations
- Financial houses and commercial banks
- Insurance companies
- Commercial and manufacturing companies
- Development Bank of SA/ other Banks
- Government departments, e.g. Departments of:
Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development; Foreign
Affairs; Trade & Industry; Employment & Labour;
Environmental Affairs, Forestry & Fisheries; Tourism;
Water Affairs & Sanitation - Self-employment as a consultant
- Development organisations
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.