Post Graduate Programs

Doctor of Philosophy

Master of Philosophy

Degree Courses

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSAG)

The Department of Agriculture offers a four-year course, which leads to the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Entry to the course is after the successful completion of Grade 12 School Certificate (or equivalent) level.

The program prepares the students for a wide variety of Agricultural and Agriculture-related occupations in PNG. These include teaching, research, advisory and various other technical professions both in government and private industry as well as in numerous other areas for which, basic preparation in agriculture and related sciences is significant.

After successful completion of their courses, the graduates of the Department may find employment in a variety of positions, such as: Crop production specialist, Crop protection specialist, Animal production and protection specialist, Aquaculture production specialist, Nutritionist, Soil Scientist, Agricultural Planner, Agricultural Extensionist, Environmental Specialist, Agricultural Consultant, University Lecturer, Development Banker, Marketing Specialist, Rural Development Specialist, Communication Specialist, Rural Sociologist, Rural Development Specialist, Youth Counsellor, Researcher in various agricultural research organizations, etc.

About one-third of the instructional time is devoted to study in the biological, physical and social sciences, including rural sociology and two-thirds to the study of agriculture and agricultural sciences. The interaction between agricultural activity and the quality of environment is emphasised throughout the course.

Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Development (BARD)

Recently, the PNG Government through the Office of Higher Education (OHE) instituted policy changes in higher learning institutions to address human resource requirements of this nation. One of these initiatives is for institutions to externalize their on-campus academic programs through Open, Flexible and Distance learning mode. In response to this policy shift in the formal education sector, the Department of Agriculture developed a two-year degree program. The program is named “Bachelor of Agriculture and Rural Development (BARD)”. This program is delivered both through distance learning mode and residential sessions, which are conducted every end of year.

The BARD program essentially caters for agriculture professionals who have had training up to Diploma and Post Certificate Diploma (PCD) levels, but for reasons, haven’t had the opportunity to further their agriculture education. The curriculum of BARD has been developed with a blend of knowledge in agricultural science and production, and rural development and extension. Hence, the graduates of this program are guaranteed to have attained the core concepts of the profession as their counterpart graduates from the full-time on-campus program.

It is envisaged that graduates of BARD program, who are employed as researchers, teachers, managers, and rural development and extension officers will continue to excel and contribute towards the overall development of PNG. Upon completion of the course, it is expected that the graduates will have acquired the knowledge and skills relating to:

The current developments in science and socio-economic aspects of agriculture and appreciate their roles in impacting change in both urban and rural communities.

The planning, establishment and management of activities in sustainable agricultural production systems.
Planning and implementation of agricultural programs in secondary and intermediate learning institutions, and rural farming community.

Planning and conducting research into temporal and spatial agriculture problems for necessary changes.
The processes involved in agricultural project planning, implementation and evaluation for efficiency and continuity.
Overall analysis and mitigation of challenging agricultural issues for positive progress in the sector.
The BARD program completed its maiden year, 2011, where it went through two residential sessions and one distance mode semester. The program has so far attracted applicants from across the nation with differing agricultural expertise, experience and seniority. We expect the pioneer students to complete their studies at the end of 2012 academic year and graduate come graduation ceremony in April, 2013.

The Department considers this program an opportune process whereby it can actively participate in imparting agricultural knowledge and skills to a wider populace in PNG for the empowerment of both urban and rural communities.

Postgraduate Programs

Post Graduate Diploma in Agriculture (PGDA)
The course of study leading to the Post Graduate Diploma in Agriculture is a full-time course of one calendar year. Only under exceptional circumstances will an extension beyond a year be granted by the Head of the Department. Students can further their knowledge in professional areas like Agronomy, Crop Protection, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agricultural Extension, Agricultural Economics, Soil Science and Animal Sciences. To complete this degree an applicant must successfully complete the specified hours of course work and also an appropriate component of research project.

For admission in to this program the applicants must have either a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the PNG University of Technology/UNRE or equivalent. An applicant with a degree other than agricultural one may be admitted after attending and passing qualifying subjects in agriculture.

Master of Science in Agriculture

The M.Sc. degree in agriculture is a full time program of studies extending over four academic semesters (two years). The students will be taking the courses as per the schedule and will be completing a research work, written and submitted as a thesis.

Master of Philosophy in Agriculture

To successfully complete the Master of Philosophy degree in Agriculture (M.Phil), candidates must exhibit scholarly pursuit of further study and complete a research, written and submitted in the form of a high quality dissertation. An applicant for admission to candidature for the degree of M.Phil. shall have either a Merit degree or Post Graduate Diploma of the PNG University of Technology or of a tertiary institution approved by the PNG University of Technology or a Bachelor’s degree of Honours standard of a tertiary institution approved by the PNG University of Technology.

Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture

To successfully complete the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Agriculture, candidates must exhibit scholarly pursuit of further study and complete a research, written and submitted in the form of a high quality dissertation. An applicant for admission for the degree of Ph.D. shall have either a Master’s degree of the University or of any other tertiary institution approved by the PNG University of Technology in the field of study related to the subject of the proposed research.

Downloads

Agriculture Department Brochure 2017

Related links

• Graduate courses
• GAP

Downloads

• Application form-EMBA
• Postgraduate Course Hand Book
• List of Postgraduate Programs for 2016