The Agriculture programme at North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus develops well-rounded graduates equipped to contribute to South Africa’s agricultural sector. The programme provides multidisciplinary training in agronomy, soil science and agricultural economics, with an emphasis on sustainable crop production, modern agricultural technologies, responsible soil management and the economic dimensions of agricultural production.
The subject group offers two four-year BSc Agriculture programmes that provide students with a strong foundation in crop production, soil science and agricultural management. Both programmes develop knowledge relevant to sustainable agriculture and modern crop production, while allowing students to develop a stronger focus either on Soil Science or Agricultural Economics. The programmes incorporate areas such as crop physiology, agronomy, crop protection, soil management, sustainable agriculture and precision farming.
Qualifications in the programme
Core modules
The two programmes share a common foundation in the agricultural and natural sciences, including:
- Crop Physiology and Productivity
- Introduction into Agronomy
- Weather, Climate and Agriculture of Southern Africa
- Soil Science
- Soil Fertility
- Crop Protection
- Integrated Pest Management
- Production of Summer Grain, Oil and Protein-rich Crops
- Principles and Practices of Vegetable Production
- Production of Small Grain and Rotational Winter Crops
- Precision Farming
- Projects and Seminar
- Farm Management and Planning
The programmes then diverge according to their respective specialisations.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to either BSc Agriculture programme, candidates must have:
- NSC or NC(V)
- APS of 26
- English: Level 4
- Mathematics: Level 4
- Physical Science: Level 4
Candidates with matriculation results from foreign educational systems must meet the requirements determined by the Joint Matriculation Board and the SAQA evaluation recommendation, including an APS of 26.
Career possibilities
- Agronomist
- Soil scientist
- Environmental soil scientist
- Agricultural economist
- Agricultural consultant
- Farm manager
- Agricultural production manager
- Agricultural extension practitioner
- Agricultural marketing specialist
- Agricultural finance specialist
- Agricultural researcher
- Agricultural policy and development specialist
- Precision agriculture specialist
- Academic/research career in agriculture
BSc in Agriculture with Agronomy and Soil Science
Programme code: 2FD K08 N401P
Duration: 4 years
This programme combines agronomy and crop production with comprehensive training in soil science. Students develop knowledge in areas including soil fertility, soil health, soil physics, soil microbiology, environmental soil science, irrigation, sustainable agriculture and precision farming.
Specialisations in Agronomy and Soil Science
- Soil Chemistry
- Soil Degradation and Rehabilitation
- Soil Genesis and Classification
- Soil Physics and Irrigation
- Soil Microbiology
- Soil Health
Environmental Soil Science - Sustainable Agriculture
- Agriculture and the Environment
BSc in Agriculture with Agronomy and Agricultural Economics
Programme code: 2FD K09 N401P
Duration: 4 years
This programme combines agronomy and crop production with agricultural economics and management. Students develop knowledge in areas including agricultural marketing, farm management, agricultural production economics, econometrics, agricultural finance, agricultural policy and development, and precision farming.
Specialisations in Agronomy & Agricultural Economics
- Agricultural Marketing
- Land Resource and Environmental Economics
- Agricultural Production Economics
- Econometrics
- Agricultural Policy and Development
- Agricultural Finance
- Advanced Production Economics