Mpumalanga University Admission Requirements

A one-year full time or two-year part time programme offered at the Mbombela Campus.

NQF level 7
The qualification aims to train and equip agricultural extension practitioners with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to contribute to building  the  capacity  of  farmers  to innovate and to engage in market-orientated  sustainable  agricultural  production,  diversification  of  products  and value adding.

The curriculum is structured across five learning spaces in the context of agricultural extension:

• Policy: understanding the policy & legal issues and ‘boundaries’ for action
• Practice: understanding and applying the most relevant practice
• Analysis: Understanding the methods and principles of analysis
• Tools: Understanding and applying the relevant tools
• Work Integrated Learning: Internship in a relevant workplace with a formal learning programme.

And is further structured along the following learning themes

• Extension Theory & Policy Context, Planning Extension Programmes and Projects
• Strategic Management
• Principles and Practices of Management for Development

Entrance Requirements

Access to this Advanced Diploma will require a Diploma in Agriculture (NQF 6) obtained at an accredited Higher Education Institution or equivalent obtained through RPL or SAQA assessment. A student with a Bachelor’s Degree with no agricultural extension, wishing to move into agricultural extension could take this Advanced Diploma before  articulating into an Honours degree.

An applicant who does not have the necessary entrance requirements will be assessed in terms of her work experience in agricultural development, agricultural extension and/or rural/agrarian development. Key elements of assessment will be capacity for independent learning and critical self-reflection.

It is assumed that the students will have appropriate level 6 skills and knowledge and that they will be able to communicate readily in English as the language of teaching and learning. Many of the students will have had previous exposure to agricultural extension but this is not a requirement. It is further assumed that the students will be self-motivated and independent learners.

 

Bachelor of Development Studies
B Development Studies

Click here to download fees for Bachelor of Commerce in Development
(This qualification has been accredited and is awaiting registration with SAQA)

A three-year full time programme offered at the Mbombela Campus.

NQF level 7

The Bachelor of Development Studies is an inter-disciplinary undergraduate programme which seeks to provide students with a foundation in Development and Economics. The programme aims to provide candidates with a sound theoretical grounding in the principles and practices of economic development as it pertains to policy, research of policy and implementation of policy in a development context.

There is a need to develop graduates with a non-quantitative background to be able to participate in public and private policy formation, implementation and research with regard to development studies including economics for development. This degree specifically addresses these needs through well structured, specific modules that are suited to Development Theory and Policy in contemporary Africa.

The programme includes courses in development studies, economics, sociology, industrial psychology and human resource management.

Entrance requirements

NSC:
• Minimum NSC requirements for degree entry must be met;
• Admissions Point Score of 32;
• English (Home Language or First Additional Language) on at least a level 4 (50-59%);
• NSC achievement rating of at least 2 (30%-39%) for Mathematics or 4 (50%-59%) for Mathematical Literacy.

Students who register for this programme are assumed to be able to take responsibility for their own learning within a supervised environment; take decisions and be responsible for their actions; evaluate their own performance against set criteria and take initiative to address any shortcoming they find. In addition, students are also expected to be able to apply the essential methods, procedures and techniques required of university study. In addition they should be able to:

• Interpret information from text, symbol and representations;
• Solve common problems and apply common solutions within relevant parameters and within the operating context;
• Collect relevant information and analyse and evaluate such information;
• Communicate and present information reliably and accurately in writing and orally in English, being the language of teaching & learning.

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
BSc (Agric)

Click here to download fees for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
(This qualification has been accredited and is awaiting registration with SAQA)

A four-year full time programme offered at the Mbombela Campus.

NQF level 8

The qualification aims to train and equip agricultural scientists and researchers with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to conduct fundamental and applied technical agricultural research (across the whole value chain) that will contribute to increasing productivity and profitability and contribute to building the capacity of farmers to innovate and to engage in market-orientated sustainable agricultural production, diversification of products and value adding.

The curriculum is structured across five learning areas: foundational science, agricultural production science, agricultural business, natural resource management, and agricultural extension (with an emphasis on innovation). Each of these provides grounding in areas critical to sustainable agricultural production within a systems framework.

In the first year, students will take a fixed curriculum in which students take a full year of biology, and semester long courses in environmental science and systems, South African agriculture, science for sustainable agriculture, chemistry, end user computing, and numerical and academic literacy.

In second and third year, students take 3 core modules per semester and then pick an elective from Ecology, Environmental Science, Water Management, Entomology or Agricultural Extension.

In fourth year, students will chose between an agricultural science stream and an agricultural business stream.

Access To The Qualification:

NSC:
• Minimum NSC requirements for degree entry must be met;
• Admissions Point Score of 32;
• English (Home Language or First Additional Language) on at least a level 4 (50-59%);
• Mathematics level 4
• Two of Physical, Life, Agricultural Sciences of Geography at level 4

Students with Mathematical Literacy at level 6 or better will be considered but may need to take a supporting mathematics module.

It is assumed that students will be numerate with a reasonable ability to communicate in the language of teaching and learning (English).

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS :

NSC WITH DIPLOMA PASS

NSC WITH BACHELOR PASS

NC (V) LEVEL 4 IN PRIMARY AGRICULTURE

PROGRAMMES

The University will offer additional programmes in 2016. The following will be offered
( subject to approval by the Department of Higher Education and Training ) :

1. Bachelor of Commerce in Development Studies
2. Bachelor of Science
3. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
4. Advanced Diploma in Agriculture
5. Diploma in Conservation
6. Diploma in Tourism and Heritage Studies.
In 2015, the university offers the following programmes:

Programmes	Minimum duration
Diploma in Agriculture in Plant Production	3 years
Diploma in Hospitality Management	3 years
Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development	3 years
Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Development	3 years
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching	4 years

The minimum duration is the number of years after completion of the prerequisite programme or the number of years after first registration for the programme.

The Diplomas and Degrees are described individually in this brochure but they share some common admissions requirements, which are presented below.

For all Degrees and Diplomas, the following admission requirements apply.

a) For all Diplomas and Degrees, applicants are required to have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or IEB school leaving certificate as certified by Umalusi, or if Grade 12 was completed before 2008, a Grade 12 Certificate with University exemption, or a National Certificate (Vocational) level 4 (NC(V) level 4) issued by the Council for General and Further Education and Training.

b) For the NSC, of the seven subjects the four compulsory subjects include Life Orientation and EITHER Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy, and two languages, ONE OF WHICH MUST BE ENGLISH. The remaining three subjects are chosen by the student, and DIFFERENT SUBJECTS ARE REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED FOR THE DIFFERENT DIPLOMAS AND DEGREES (see below).

c) For the NCV level 4, the fundamental subjects must include English and the four vocational subjects must be chosen from the NCV level 4 subjects that are similar to the Diploma for which application is being made.

Note, the minimum statutory entrance requirements do not guarantee a prospective student admission to the programmes.

d) Admission is based on both the subjects taken and the level of pass achieved and, for the NSC, this is used to calculate the ADMISSION POINTS SCORE (APS).

e) Preliminary admission is based on the results obtained in the final Grade 11 examination.

f) Final admission is based on the final Grade 12 results and a valid NSC or NCV level 4 with admission for Diploma or Degree purposes, or equivalent qualification.

The APS for the NSC is calculated as follows:

APS	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Level of pass	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Percentage (%)	80 – 100%	70 – 79%	60 – 69%	50 – 59%	40 – 49%	30 – 39%	0 – 29%

The APS is calculated by adding the score for each of the subjects. For Life Orientation, the APS is divided by two as in the example below. Note that the optional subjects will differ between the Degrees and Diplomas. If an applicant has included more than the minimum of three electives in his/her NSC, the four compulsory subjects and the best three optional subjects are used to calculate the APS.

An example of how to calculate the APS for the NSC

Subject	Subject	Final result	Level	APS
Compulsory Subject	Home Language	50%	4	4
Compulsory Subject	Additional Language	55%	4	4
Compulsory Subject	Life Orientation	60%	5	2.5
Compulsory Subject	Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy	52%	4	4
Optional Subject	Life Science	51%	4	4
Optional Subject	Accounting	55%	4	4
Optional Subject	Agricultural Science	58%	4	4
				26.5

One of these languages must be English, which is the language of teaching & learning at the University.

What documentation must accompany the application?

You will need to provide certified copies of:

• Final Grade 12 results (if available).
• Grade 11 results (if currently doing grade 12).
• A copy of your South African ID document OR passport for International students.
• Academic record and Certificate of Conduct if previously enrolled at another university.

1. DIPLOMA IN HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Dip (Hospitality Management)

A THREE- YEAR FULL-TIME PROGRAMME, INCLUDING WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING OFFERED AT THE HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM ACADEMY SITE OF DELIVERY AT MRTT, KANYAMAZANE.

The Diploma covers a wide spectrum of subjects to meet the demanding standards of the industry with practice supported by theory. The Diploma combines hands on hospitality courses with hotel management courses as well as 2 internships. The first internship will enable you to apply the basics you will have learned and allow you to get the feel for the industry at an operational level in food and beverage service, reception and rooms division. The second internship will allow you to function on a supervisory level and rotate in all the departments of an establishment with specialization as an end objective.

On completing this Diploma the Diplomates will be able to enter the industry in any hospitality, food and beverage or events sector. The programme is aimed at preparing leaders in this fast growing industry and focuses on the management, customer service and relations, marketing and operational aspects of hospitality-related businesses. Career opportunities include game lodges, B & B establishments, guest lodges, restaurants, hotel, academic institutions, and hospitals, media, and events companies or even through private catering and being an entrepreneur. Many exciting and innovative opportunities are open for students to travel and work abroad on completion of the qualification.

Admission Requirements:

NSC: APS; 25 with Mathematics, or 26 with Mathematical Literacy.

The following subjects are recommended for the optional subjects: Accounting; Business Studies; Hospitality Studies; Consumer Studies.

NCV level 4 Hospitality Programme: 50% for English, 40% for Mathematics OR 50% for Mathematical Literacy and at least 60% for the four Hospitality vocational subjects

A limited number of students will be admitted to the Diploma and admission to the programme will be on merit. Please note that applicants with minimum admission requirements can not be guaranteed a place on the programme.

The following minimum subjects and level requirements apply for the NSC:

2. DIPLOMA IN AGRICULTURE IN PLANT PRODUCTION
Dip (Agriculture) (Plant Production)

A THREE- YEAR FULL-TIME PROGRAMME, INCLUDING WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING OFFERED AT THE MBOMBELA CAMPUS AND MARAPYANE SITE OF DELIVERY. INTAKE OF NEW STUDENTS IN 2015 WILL BE AT THE MBOMBELA CAMPUS ONLY.

The Diploma prepares students to work on and manage farms in the sub-tropics. There is a focus on both basic subjects including botany soil science and water management, and more applied subjects including the production of sub-tropical fruit such as citrus, cotton and sugar cane. In all years there is a strong emphasis on practical skills and the third year is a full year of experiential learning. Students are placed on farms where they will prepare a comprehensive farm management plan. The Diploma equips agricultural practitioners with practical and management skills and trains them to fill leading roles in their future communities.

Admission requirements

NSC: APS; 23 with Mathematics and 24 with Mathematical Literacy.

The optional subjects MUST include Agricultural Science and Life Science and the third can be from Physical Science, Geography, Business Economics/Studies and Accounting.

NCV level 4 Primary Agriculture Programme: 50% for English, 40% for Mathematics OR 50% for Mathematical Literacy and at least 60% for the four Primary Agriculture vocational subjects.

Recognition of Prior learning forms part of the admission criteria. However, a student / prospective student must apply in writing before 31 July prior to the year of enrolment, taking into account that documentary proof will be required.

The following minimum subjects and level requirements apply for the NSC: 

3. BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN FOUNDATION PHASE TEACHING
BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching)

A FOUR-YEAR FULL-TIME PROGRAMME WITH WORK INTEGRATED LEARNING OFFERED AT THE SIYABUSWA CAMPUS.

The purpose of the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching is to deliver professionally qualified beginner teachers for the foundation phase. This is done by providing student teachers with a well-rounded education that equips them with the required subject knowledge base, teaching competence, a sound and nuanced understanding of the integrated nature of theory and practice in education and the context of the teaching profession in South Africa. The programme focuses specifically on child development, literacy, numeracy (mathematics) and the knowledge that underpins life skills.

Students who complete this programme will be able to teach the foundation phase curriculum (numeracy, literacy and life-skills) proficiently, use advanced literacy skills for teaching, support and nurture learning and development in diverse educational contexts, identify and address barriers to learning in the early years of schooling, teach literacy in English and isiNdebele or siSwati (as first language and additional language), formulate a personal teaching philosophy and critically reflect on their teaching philosophy and how it relates to teaching conduct.

Admission Requirements

NSC: APS; 26 with Mathematics or 27 with Mathematical Literacy

Teachers, who are in a possession of a recognised certificate in education or another relevant field, may also present their qualifications for entry into a BEd with the possibility of transfer of credits, for cognate previous studies. Assessment of prior learning could also lead to entry or an advanced credit standing.

The following minimum subjects and level requirements apply for the NSC: 

4. BACHELOR OF AGRICULTURE IN AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND RURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
BAgric (Agricultural Extension and Rural Resource Development)

A THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME PROGRAMME OFFERED AT THE MBOMBELA CAMPUS.

This unique degree offers students a sound theoretical grounding as they concurrently learn practical agricultural production. Students graduate with a powerful combination of knowledge and skills in agricultural extension, rural development, project management, agricultural production and farm management. The BAgric was developed specifically to address the changing agricultural landscape in South Africa. The changes redirect agriculture to the majority population, which has been marginalised and generally denied meaningful access to the agricultural sector of the South African economy. This vision for agriculture calls for agricultural extension practitioners who can facilitate the establishment of self-reliant farmers who will contribute to widespread prosperity.

Admission Requirements:

NSC: APS; 26 points

A level 4 pass in Mathematics is required for this degree. The optional subjects MUST include at least one of Life Science, OR Physical Science OR Agricultural Science.

A limited number of students will be admitted to the BAgric, and admission to the programme will be on merit. Please note that applicants with minimum admission requirements can not be guaranteed a place on the programme.

The following minimum subjects and level requirements apply for the NSC: 

5. DIPLOMA IN INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT

Dip (Information Communication Technology) (Applications Development)
(This qualification has been accredited and is awaiting registration with SAQA)

A THREE-YEAR FULL-TIME PROGRAMME OFFERED AT THE MBOMBELA CAMPUS.

The purpose of the Diploma is to provide students with a foundation from which to select one of a wide range of career paths with good employment prospects relevant both to the region and internationally. Students are prepared for careers in computer programming, systems analysis and design and database administration. The domain deals with the design and production of software products and systems to meet specified needs and to ensure that their production and maintenance is cost effective.

The programme is intended to be challenging as well as offering exciting options and it is targeted at students who have the potential to cope with tough subjects such as mathematics and programming. Thus the Diploma includes both important foundations as well as practical applied subjects. Possible career options are in ICT administration; networks; system administration; hardware support; programming; implementing systems; chief information officers 
A student who has completed this qualification will be competent in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the ICT industry.

The diploma is delivered in English and will involve referencing a wide variety of literature. Programming is an important part of the diploma requiring good logical reasoning with good mathematical skills. The electronic subject requires background in electricity covered in the physical sciences. A high APS score is required due to the demanding nature of the diploma covering both a wide range of disciplines and the need for problem solving skills.