Programme
Overview
The Diploma in Agriculture: Crop Production is a three-year, career-focused qualification designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agricultural production systems, agribusiness management, environmental sustainability, and applied agricultural technologies.
The programme integrates foundational sciences, production agriculture, farm management, and industry-based learning to prepare graduates for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the agricultural sector.
A strong emphasis is placed on applied learning, problem-solving, and real-world agricultural practices through structured academic coursework and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in the final year enabling integration of theory, hands-on training, and industry exposure to prepare graduates for productive roles in the agricultural sector.
Programme
Purpose
The purpose of the qualification is to develop competent agricultural practitioners who are able to apply scientific principles and modern agricultural practices in crop production, soil science, plant protection, farm management, and agribusiness.
It also aims to equip graduates with skills in sustainability, environmental management, communication, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to contribute effectively to agricultural development and food security.
Programme
Description
The Diploma in Agricultural Studies is a three-year, full-time qualification registered at NQF Level 6 with a minimum credit value of 360 credits.
The programme is designed to provide students with a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in agriculture, preparing them for both employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within the agricultural sector.
The qualification is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework. This ensures that the programme meets national higher education quality standards and is formally recognised within South Africa’s education and training system.
This programme provides structured training in key agricultural subject areas including:
These subjects collectively equip students with both scientific knowledge and practical skills required in modern agriculture.
Department
Lecturers
Admission
Requirements
National Senior Certificate or equivalent
• Admission Points 24
• Compulsory subjects:
• Mathematics Level 3 or Mathematical Literacy Level 4
• English Level 3
• Any TWO Science subjects at Level 3 e.g
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• Agricultural Sciences
• Geography
NCV a pass for fundamental and vocational subjects in Primary Agriculture
Pass in Mathematics (Level 3) or Mathematical Literacy(level 4), English (level 3) and any two Science subjects (level 3)
Career
Opportunities
Graduates of the Crop Production programme can pursue careers in a wide range of fields,
including:
Crop Production Technician
Farm Manager
Operations manager in an Agribusiness
Packhouse supervisor/manager
Agricultural Extension Officer
Agricultural Inspector / Agricultural food and quarantine technician
Agricultural Sales representative
Agribusiness Entrepreneur
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
A major component of the qualification is Work Integrated Learning (WIL), which is undertaken in the final year.
During WIL, students gain practical, hands-on experience in real agricultural and industry settings, allowing them to apply classroom learning to farm operations, production systems, and agribusiness environments.
This ensures that graduates are workplace-ready and capable of contributing effectively to the agricultural sector.