Undergraduate
Programmes leading to a qualification in Agricultural Economics include:
(BAgric) Agri-business Management
(BScAgric) Agricultural Economic Analysis
(BScAgric) Agricultural Economic Analysis and Management
(BScAgric) Agricultural Economics with Food Science
(BScAgric) Agricultural Economic Analysis and Management with Food Science
(BCom) Management Sciences with Agricultural Economics
All programmes are selection programmes. Applications will be considered according to the rules and procedures set out in the selection guidelines and admission policy for undergraduate programmes for the Faculty of AgriSciences. For full details visit:
http://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/Documents/AgriSciences.pdf
Q&A
Please have a look at some answers to your questions:
A: Agricultural economics is a field that applies economic principles to analyse issues related to food production, distribution, and consumption. It involves studying topics such as farm management, agricultural policy, production economics, environmental sustainability, agricultural marketing, and international trade in agricultural products.
A: The world of food production is interesting, important, and dynamic. Food is different in that it is consumed by people (it is not only consumed but becomes part of our very biological structure); it is produced without a roof over the “factory” (in other words in a risky environment) and is a sensitive commodity regarding trade in the face of fluctuating exchange rates. Moreover, an agricultural economist technically can do any job that an economists can, but not vice versa.
A: In our Department, we offer three-year and four-year degree options.
BAgric Agri-business Management
BScAgric Agricultural Economic Analysis
BScAgric Agricultural Economic Analysis and Management
For students with a broader interest in Agriscience we also offer the following:
BScAgric Agricultural Economics with Food Science
BScAgric Agricultural Economic Analysis and Management with Food Science
BScAgric Crop Production Systems with Agronomy and Agricultural Economics
BScAgric Crop Production Systems with Horticultural Science and Agricultural Economics
BScAgric Crop Production Systems with Grapevine Science and Agricultural Economics
BScAgric Crop Production Systems with Agronomy, Agricultural Economics and Animal Science
For students with a stronger interest in Commerce we also offer the following:
BCom Management Sciences with Agricultural Economics
A: The BScAgric options are all four-year degrees, and BAgric and BCom (offered by EMS) are three-year degrees. Mathematics is an entry requirement in all instances. All the options require the same agricultural economics modules to be completed to ensure that the core remains the same across our degrees. The fourth-year agricultural economics modules offered in the fourth year of the BScAgric programmes are on offer for the BAgric and BCom students at honours level. All degrees require two major subjects to be carried through to the final year, and the options here differ. The BScAgric students can take a production-orientated science such as agronomy with agricultural economics; the BCom and BAgric options are limited to commerce, management, or economics subjects as majors in combination with agricultural economics. Please refer to the yearbook for more information.
A: Yes. We have an active postgraduate association (AEPA) responsible for organising these types of events as the need arise. Once you are a registered student you are welcome to reach out to the chair person to discuss these opportunities.
A: We have a very active postgraduate association (AEPA) that are responsible for setting up networking opportunities for the Agricultural Economics students. Once you are a registered student you are welcome to reach out to the chair person to discuss these opportunities.
A: Graduates with a degree in agricultural economics can pursue various career paths. They may work in agricultural management, agribusiness, government agencies, international organisations, research institutions, or academia. Job roles include agricultural economist, market analyst, policy analyst, farm manager, and more. Please see our flyer for more information on career opportunities.
A: An agricultural economics degree programme will help you develop a range of skills, including economic analysis, quantitative analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. You will also gain a deep understanding of agricultural systems and the factors influencing them. You will also learn how to work across disciplines, a skill much sought after to solve the complex challenges in our food systems.
A: Modules in an agricultural economics degree programme typically cover topics such as economics, production economics, agricultural policy, agricultural marketing, farm management, agricultural finance, statistics, econometrics, business management, logistics, and environmental economics. In addition to these core modules, students can select electives suited to their preference for specialisation. Please refer to the yearbook for more information.
A: The BAgric Agricultural Production and Management degree offered at Elsenburg is more practical in nature. It focuses on production management and students are required to select an area of specialisation in plant production, animal production, plant and animal production, cellar technology, cellar management, extension and plant production, or extension and animal production. The admission requirements for this degree are also different. Please consult www.elsenburg.com for more information.
A: Although we do not facilitate internships or hands-on experience as part of the degree programmes on offer at our Department, we do support student learning by inviting industry leaders as guest speakers to the classroom. Through AEPA (our postgraduate association) we also facilitate engagements and provide networking opportunities with industry role players. These experiences can help you apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations and build valuable skills and networks.
A: Only for postgraduate students depending on the funding available. We advise the undergraduate students to focus on their studies as far as possible.
A: Research areas and specialisations vary across agricultural economics departments. At Stellenbosch University we focus on a wide range of research areas and specializations. Some common areas of research include agricultural production and efficiency, agricultural policy and development, farm financial management, environmental sustainability, international trade, value chain analytics, and consumer behaviour.
A: Yes, many students choose to pursue further studies after completing an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics. Graduates may pursue honours, master’s or doctoral degrees in agricultural economics or related fields to further specialise in a particular area of interest or to pursue a career in research or academia. Please refer to our postgraduate degree programmes for more information.
A: Our students are accepted at a wide range of international universities, businesses, and organisations. Our students are successful in Europe, North America, Oceania, and in Africa.