fas@ucu.ac.ug +256 (0)312 350 837, +256 (0)751410822
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fas@ucu.ac.ug +256 (0)312 350 837, +256 (0)751410822
Apply Now

Master of Science in Agriculture

Master of Science in Agriculture
Entry Requirements
Research and Dissertation
Programme Length
Program structure
Intakes

Nature of the Programme

The program will be taught with a blended resource-based learning model where Student’s study topics and undertake research autonomously with the support of a supervisor with the support of e-learning resources and assessments which will be done online, or sat physically. The rationale for online engagement is to address the clientele who are working class and might not have the time to travel for physical classes.

Target Group

MSA targets Agricultural Researchers working with Research Institutions and in the private sector, Local Government, and individuals interested in academic growth.

Programme Structure

This programme has three tracks (Rural Development, Plant science and Soil Science) of study or areas of specialty from which a student must choose a single track at the start of the second semester. For semester two and three, students will be required to do elective courses in the chosen track where they will study topics with the support of a supervisor. The courses basically entail comprehensive literature researching and sitting for an exam or a seminar presentation on a piece of independent research on the chosen course. In each course, the student will be expected to write an extensive review of existing and recent scholarly literature related to the proposed research area.

This programme is designed to provide practitioners and professionals with an opportunity to strengthen and diversify their expertise in agriculture-related disciplines. The program is completely web-based and can be completed from anywhere in the world, although students may choose to take courses on the Pullman campus.

Programme Objectives

This program is intended to enable graduates:

  1. Appreciate a wide range of environmental and agricultural knowledge and understanding at the forefront of the academic discipline informed by active research
  2. Demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards, recognizing obligations to society, the profession and the environment.
  3. Acquire training in key research methods and techniques that can be applied to their own research, in industry as an agricultural practitioner and for pursuing an academic career.
  4. Develop a wide range of key intellectual, discipline-specific skills.
  5. Develop a critical awareness of, and a continuing sense of inquiry in agricultural science.
  6. Foster a range of personal attributes relevant to the world beyond higher education.

Applications are considered from graduates in any field and professionals in mid-career, provided they satisfy prerequisites considered necessary to succeed in a rigorous program of study and research.

Holders of at least a Second-Class Lower Honors degree, credit or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Rural Innovations, Education, Social Sciences, Environmental Science, Food Science, zoology, Botany and Biochemistry or in any other subject area judged relevant from a university recognized by Senate.

Other requirements
1. Filled Application Forms
2. Three referee letters including at least one Academic Reference.
3. A concept paper in the intended area of research
4. Motivation letter

The programme is based on individual research in either laboratory or field study in agricultural sciences, and presenting a written dissertation. Some cross-cutting courses will be taught in the first semester to enable the student to cope with theoretical knowledge in the discipline. These include; Advanced Research methods, Agricultural Policy Analysis, Applied Statistics, Project Planning and Management, Research ethics and professionalism.

The programme is designed to be a conventional Master Degree programme which will take 2 academic years. Students will be required to put in a minimum of 12 hours during the week days for self-study through the e-learning resources and assessments.

Year 1 Semester 1

  1. Project Planning and Management
  2. Applied Statistics
  3. Agricultural Policy Analysis
  4. Advanced Research Methods
  5. Scientific communication and writing skills.

Year 1 Semester 2

  1. Advanced Christian Ethics
  2. Agricultural Production Economics

Any four (4) Electives  for Plant Science Track

  1. Bio-Safety and Bio-Ethics
  2. Principles of Cultivar Development
  3. Advanced Genetics
  4. Plant Genetic Resources management
  5. Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Any four (4) Electives for Soil Science Track

  1. Integrated Soil Fertility Management
  2. Advanced Soil Physics and Hydrology
  3. Advanced Soil Biology
  4. Advanced Soil Chemistry
  5. Advanced Soil and Plant Nutrition

Any four (4) Electives for Rural Development Track

  1. Microfinance and Rural Development
  2. Farming systems and Sustainable Livelihoods
  3. Advanced Macro economics
  4. Advanced Rural Sociology
  5. Gender and Sustainable Agricultural Development

Year 2 Semester 1

  1. Graduate Seminars & Research Implementation Skills

Any two (2) Electives for Plant Science Track

  1. Seed Science and Systems
  2. Advanced Plant Nutrition
  3. Postharvest Science, Technology and Innovations for Developing World.

Any two (2) Electives for Soil Science Track

  1. Experimental Designs & Management
  2. Soil Survey and Land Evaluation
  3. Biodiversity Conservation & Development

Any three (3) Electives  for Rural Development Track

  1. Agricultural Produce and Supply Chain Management
  2. Crop & Livestock Production for Development
  3. Organizational Leadership and Management
  4. Agricultural Information Systems

Year 2 Semester 2

  1. Research Project
  2. Manuscript Development

September/Advent

January/Easter