Advance in the field of AgriSciences with Stellenbosch University

06 Jun 2019

A university that stems from the foundations of systematic sustainability, Stellenbosch University in South Africa is addressing global water, waste, energy, transport and biodiversity concerns with on-campus initiatives and progressive research.

The installation of water-permeable paving and grass squares, smart metering of energy consumed in all buildings and the planting of indigenous species over the campus are just a handful of eco-changes Stellenbosch has made to its learning environment.

Through its forward-facing Faculty of AgriSciences, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching is paired with internationally recognised research to make a significant impact on the ecological sustainability and competitiveness of local agriculture and related industries.

Inspiring current and future generations to make great changes that will alter the course of climate change and ease ecological tension, Stellenbosch students evolve as agile, innovative and powerful agricultural scientists.

Sustainable teaching and research

Celebrating a century of teaching and research in 2018, the Faculty of AgriSciences stands by its incentive to push forward in environmental research and education and diminish climate disasters with sustainable eco-solutions.

That’s why international students that choose to enrol in the faculty’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are expertly trained to become leaders and managers in various sectors of industry.

For undergraduate learners, a Stellenbosch programme will train you to become a leading expert in one of six industry sectors; Plant and Soil Sciences, Animal Production Systems, Food and Wine Production Systems, Agricultural Economics and Management, Conservation Ecology, and Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences.

For postgraduates, there are various disciplines and programme styles to choose from, such as an MScAgric in Agricultural Economics and Management or a PhD in Agronomy. The Faculty consists of eleven internationally recognised departments with highly qualified staff dedicated to teaching, scientific advancement, industry collaboration and community service, so you’ll be well supported throughout your research efforts.

In addition to contemporary courses, the faculty has well-equipped laboratories and two experimental farms where practical training and applied research are conducted to provide an immersive study experience for you to develop your skills.

Click here to review all AgriSciences undergraduate and postgraduate programmes currently on offer.

Social Impact at Stellenbosch

Addressing global challenges with local and international partners, Stellenbosch is always striving for the rise of social impact initiatives and the increase of sustainability awareness.

Empowered by the Faculty’s whole-hearted vision and mission, Stellenbosch students utilise their talent to become eco-trailblazers.

For example, the first three students to graduate with an MSc degree in Food and Nutrition Security from Stellenbosch, Alison Barr, Hlanzeka Mpanza and Anja Lategan devoted their research projects to real-world challenges.

“The range of modules that make up the course gave me well-rounded exposure to all aspects impacting food and nutrition security,” Alison explains.

In her research project, she investigated the competitiveness of the local wine sector and learnt about aspects of agricultural economics.

Anja Lategan’s research project was on the nutritional value of insects, and whether food products made from insects containing iron, zinc, vitamin A, folic acid and iodine could serve people’s nutritional needs.

Home to the Stellenbosch Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Institute for Wine Biotechnology (IWBT), the African Wildlife Economy Institute (AWEI) and the SARChi Postharvest Technology, the university cultivates student innovation by exposing them to current eco-affairs and university-run projects.

A hub built for social impact, Stellenbosch is where your AgriSciences study venture starts.

A faculty that drives your future

“As one of SU’s very first faculties, AgriSciences remains a key role-player in achieving the University’s objectives and strategy, whilst also engaging with local, regional and global issues such as food security, economic development, equity and sustainability. In order to continue to fulfil this role, the Faculty requires strong leadership and initiative.

“I am ready to guide AgriSciences in addressing our challenges along with our local, African and international partners, and to inspire our staff and students to continue building on the Faculty’s sound foundations as well as harness future opportunities,” explains Professor Danie Brink, Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences.

A faculty that drives your future forward while tackling the challenges of AgriSciences, including broader institutional transformation, sustainability, technological innovation, ecological dynamics, economic development and social accountability, Stellenbosch grants you access to incomparable academic, institutional and industry networks.

With world-class infrastructure and facilities, excellent staff with exceptional integrity, and a student body that reflects South African society, the faculty is a vehicle for scholarship and social advancement.

So if you want to integrate your passion for AgriSciences into a faculty that’s fixated on the greater good and enhancing sustainability efforts, take a look at the assortment of degrees on offer and decide where your future will take you.

We may not be able to control the speed of climate change, or the geographical disasters taking place around us, but we are able to design our pathway into education and choose a degree that benefits both our career and the planet’s future.

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