The University of the Free State (UFS)
| The University of the Free State (UFS)
Bloemfontein, South Africa
The University of the Free State (UFS) creates opportunities and growth through leading learning and teaching, focused research, and impactful engagement with society. Situated in the heart of South Africa, our character of caring and diversity translates into an outstanding university experience.
The University of the Free State (UFS), located in central South Africa, is one of the oldest, most respected institutions of higher education in South Africa.
The language of instruction at the UFS is English.
Before foreign students can register at a South African university, their highest degree needs to evaluated by SAQA. As this process may take up to several months, prospective students are advised to start this process as soon as possible. More information on applying for evaluation of foreign qualifications can be found here: www.saqa.org.za
This is a structured Masters of Science combining courses with a mini-dissertation on a relevant research topic. It is a two-year degree starting annually in late January.
Prerequisites
- A Bachelor of Science, an honours degree, or a comparable degree.
- A specialisation in Agriculture, Agricultural Extension, Geography, Meteorology, Hydrology, or a related discipline.
Application form
Prospective students can apply online for admission to the part-time Master at:
apply.ufs.ac.za
The demand for capacity and experts in sustainable agriculture is continuously increasing. Through our academic programme offerings, we aim to develop agricultural specialists that can support sustainable agricultural practices and in return, support food security and socio-economic development.
The curricula are focused on developing professional knowledge and competencies that will enable the graduates to provide leadership, strategic direction and support to local farmers and farming communities by promoting profitable, environmentally sound farming practices and methods that benefit communities. In addition, our programme offerings address the global need for research, professional, analytical, and problem-solving capacity and provide solutions to sustainability in agriculture. Achieving sustainable food security while addressing poverty and hunger is on the agenda of many African countries, and our academic programme offerings ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills to make meaningful contributions.
Sustainability in terms of food security, national resources and energy are key factors that inform the national and global development agenda. Our programmes are designed to prepare graduates for careers at academic institutions, research and policy-making organisations, the agribusiness sector, government departments, and non-governmental organisations. We were subsequently contributing to the developmental agenda in our country and worldwide.
The one-year master’s program brings together the three key spheres of sustainability, namely agricultural and natural systems (ecological), agribusiness (economic), and the humanities (social).
Admission requirements as stated in the NAS Rulebook 2023
- • All master’s Degrees are selection programmes, and admission to these degrees is subject to the approval of the Academic Department Head.
- A student who wishes to enrol for the degree must have one of the following:
- An applicable four-year degree plus applicable practical experience and applicable preparatory studies OR
- An applicable NQF-level 8 qualification and practical experience.
Application form
Prospective students can apply online for admission to the part-time Master at:
apply.ufs.ac.za
Ph.D. degrees at the University of the Free State are research-based and only involve course work in case the candidate has certain knowledge or skills gaps. Research-based Ph.D. degrees at the UFS typically take 3 years to complete. The first registration of a Ph.D. can take place throughout the year.
Prerequisite
- An M.Sc. in Soil Science / Agrometeorology or a closely related field.
The research topic for the PhD in Soil Science at the UFS is preferably related to soil carbon dynamics in rangelands as affected by farm management, although other topics may be considered.
Application form
Prospective students can apply online for admission to the part-time Master at:
apply.ufs.ac.za
Ph.D. degrees at the University of the Free State are research-based and only involve course work in case the candidate has certain knowledge or skills gaps. Research-based Ph.D. degrees at the UFS typically take 3 years to complete. The first registration of a Ph.D. can take place throughout the year.
Prerequisite
- An M.Sc. in Soil Science / Agrometeorology or a closely related field.
Application form
Prospective students can apply online for admission to the part-time Master at:
apply.ufs.ac.za