University of the Free State UFS Department of Agricultural Economics

Why Agricultural Economics?

• Our internationally-recognised programme prepares students for careers with professional, competitive salaries.
• Our students are sought-after throughout the world in agricultural and business environments and are a popular choice when it comes to work opportunities.
• Exchange programmes present exciting opportunities for students to study at selected overseas universities.
• We have a rich tradition built on excellence and established values.
• We are accessible and centrally located in an area that reflects the biggest part of the agricultural sector in Southern Africa.
• A pulsating student life and popular residences enable students to participate in sports, cultural-, and religious activities, student fun, and training-oriented excursions and projects.

Career Choices

• Agribusiness
• Marketing
• Import and Export
• Banking
• Insurance
• Irrigation Management
• Co-op Management
• Agricultural Management
• Human Resources Management
• Research and Development

The department is in the privileged position to have internationally-recognised researchers relevant to challenges facing  agriculturists from an economic point of view. This expertise is organised in several centres of excellence. UFS Department of Agricultural Economics

Undergraduate Studies

Requirements

• Senior certificate with matriculation endorsement (matriculation exemption) or an equivalent qualification.Mathematics on level 5 (60%).
• A performance level 4 (50%) in an official language of instruction.
• Modules in the second year and beyond are presented in English.

BAgric (Management)

Requirements

• Senior certificate with matriculation endorsement (matriculation exemption) or an equivalent qualification.
• Mathematics at performance level 3 (40%) or Mathematical Literacy at least at level 7 (80%) if the AP is 31 or above.
• Modules in the second year and beyond are presented in English.

BAgric (Agricultural Economics)

Requirements

• Senior certificate with matriculation endorsement (matriculation exemption) or an equivalent qualification.
• Mathematics at performance level 4 (50%).
• Modules in the second year and beyond are presented in English.

 View all undergraduate and postgraduate programme information in the Faculty Booklet and Faculty Rule Book . 

Postgraduate Studies

Honours degrees in the Department of Agricultural Economics: BSc- Hons (Agricultural Economics)

Requirements

Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department.
The following criteria are applicable:
a) BSc degree in Agricultural Economics.
b) An average mark of 65% for all undergraduate Agricultural Economics modules over the full period of the BSc degree.

BAgric-Hons (Agricultural Economics)

Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department.
The following criteria are applicable:
a)  BAgric degree in Agricultural Economics.
b)  An average mark of 65% for all undergraduate Agricultural Economics modules over the full period of the BAgric degree.

BAgricHons: (Agricultural Management)

Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department.
The following criteria are applicable:
a)  BAgric degree in Agricultural Management
b)  An average mark of 60% for all undergraduate Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Management modules over the full period of the BAgric degree.

Admission requirements for masters degrees

In addition to the requirements contained in the General Rules (2019), a student also has to comply with the following faculty requirements:
a)  All master’s degrees are selection programmes and admission to these degrees is subject to approval by the Academic Head of Department.
b)   Candidates must apply for admission to the master’s degree. Selection will take place in the second semester, after which the results will be communicated. The master’s programmes start on a date as determined by the relevant department. Each module in the learning programmes must be successfully completed.
c)   Candidates must have an applicable bachelor honours degree or equivalent NQF dxit Level 8 qualification as well as the additional requirements per discipline (see Reg. NAS3.5).
d)   If a student does not meet the admission requirements, the Dean may, in exceptional circumstances,and after consultation with the Academic Head of Department, recommend to the Registrar (at the sole discretion of the Registrar) that concession with regard to the admission requirements be considered.
e)   Bachelor of Science Honours or relevant honours degree at NQF exit level 8 with an average of 60% in the exit year of the relevant degree may be recognised as meeting the minimum admission requirements for a master’s degree programme. UFS Department of Agricultural Economics

MAgric (Agricultural Management)

Apart from the General Rules, the following apply:
a) Students must convince the specific Academic Head of Department that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the subject to be admitted to the programme.
b) Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department and a postgraduate selection committee.
c) Registration is only allowed after the research proposal was presented and approved by the postgraduate selection committee.

Master of Science (Agricultural Economics)

Apart from the General Rules, the following apply:
a) Students must convince the specific Academic Head of Department that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the subject to be admitted to the programme.
b) Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department and a postgraduate selection committee.
c) Registration is only allowed after the research proposal was presented and approved by the postgraduate selection committee.

Admission requirements for a doctoral degree

In addition to the admission requirements contained in the General Rules (2019), a student has to comply with the following additional faculty requirements:
a)  All PhD degrees are selection programmes and admission to these degrees is subject to approval by the Academic Head of Department.
b)  The PhD student demonstrate that he/she has sufficient knowledge of the subject prior to admission. Students should apply for admission to the doctoral degree on the prescribed form. These forms should be completed and submitted to the Academic Head of Department.
c)  The PhD student must have a master’s degree or equivalent NQF exit level 9 qualification. Master’s degrees include: MSc, MAgric, MSc (Agriculture).

Agricultural Economics

Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department and a postgraduate selection committee. The following criteria are applicable:
a) Master’s degree majoring in Agricultural Economics.
b) Registration is only allowed after the research proposal was presented and approved by the postgraduate selection committee.
c) Additional modules may be required before admission to the PhD study.
d) A prerequisite for registration in the second year of the PhD degree may involve the successful completion if some modules the end of the first year of the PhD study. UFS Department of Agricultural Economics

Agricultural Management

Admission to the programme is subject to the discretion and approval of the Academic Head of Department and a postgraduate selection committee.
The following criteria are applicable:
a) Master’s degree majoring in Agricultural Management.
b) Registration is only allowed after the research proposal was presented and approved by the postgraduate selection committee.
c) Additional modules may be required before admission to the PhD study.
d) A prerequisite for registration in the second year of the PhD degree may involve the successful completion of some modules the end of the first year of the PhD. UFS Department of Agricultural Economics

Short Learning Course

SAFEX Course – Workshop content  

The content below will be discussed in the workshop. At the end of the course the participant will have the necessary knowledge to write the SAFEX exam.
1.     The origin and development of the agricultural-derivative market.
2.     Forward contracts in the agricultural commodity market.
3.    The commodities  – derivative market – “Futures”
4.     The commodities  – derivative market – “Options”
5.     Dissertation on the commodity-derivative market – “Futures”
6.     Commodities –  “Swaps”
7.     The use of options and futures in the agricultural commodity market.
8.     Prediction of price movements (Introduction)
Enquiries to: Ina Combrinck:  +27 51 401 9518 or email combrincksf@ufs.ac.za