1. Admission to Candidature

1.1. An applicant for admission to candidature for the certificate shall:

(a) have fulfilled all the requirements for admission to a degree, or an equivalent qualification, acceptable to the school as sufficient qualification for admission to candidature; or

(b) satisfy the school by means of other qualifications and/or relevant experience that adequate preparation for candidature has been made.

1.2. Admission to candidature and the date of commencement of candidature shall be determined by the school on the recommendation of the relevant postgraduate course coordinator.

2. Program of Study

Each program of study shall be prescribed by the school on the recommendation of the relevant postgraduate course coordinator and shall comprise units at 200-level or higher with a total value of 24 credit points.

3. Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Rural Science

3.1. To fulfil the requirements for the certificate a candidate shall complete a program of study approved by Postgraduate Course Coordinator or shall complete one of the course work programs listed in Rule 3.3. Of the 24 credit points required for the certificate, at least 18 must be at 500-level.

3.2. When, in the opinion of the postgraduate course coordinator, an applicant has insufficient background to complete the prescribed program, the applicant shall complete additional units having a total value of not more than 12 credit points prescribed by the course coordinator. In this case, the period of candidature specified in Rule 4. will be extended.

3.3. Course Work Programs

(a) Animal Genetics and Breeding

GENE 351, 500, 522, 540.

(b) Cotton Production

COTT 500, 501, 502, 503.

(c) Sustainable Grains Production

GRNS 500, 501, 502, 503.

(d) Change Management in Agriculture

Four units to be chosen from: AGEX 510; AGRO 501; ENVE 521; HORT 420, 510.

(e) Biosecurity

AGRO 514; ANSC 514; NR 411/511; GEPL 335/435.

4. Period of Candidature

Unless otherwise determined by the school in special circumstances, the course work program shall be completed in one semester of full-time study or in not more than four consecutive semesters of part-time study.

5. Advanced Standing

On the recommendation of the relevant postgraduate course coordinator, a student may be granted advanced standing to a maximum of six credit points towards the Graduate Certificate in terms of Advanced Standing Rule 2 provided that:

(a) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(a). shall be for units counting six credit points provided the units have not been counted towards another awarded qualification; or

(b) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.1.(b) shall be for units counting six credit points provided the units have not been counted towards another award qualification; or

(c) the maximum advanced standing which may be granted in terms of Rule 2.2.(b) shall be for units counting six credit points;

(d) the maximum advanced standing which shall be granted in terms of Rule 2.3. shall be for units counting six credit points.

6. Exemption

6.1. A candidate may be granted exemption from units counting up to 12 credit points on the basis of his or her previous completion of units prescribed for the course work program concerned or equivalent units.

6.2. Such a candidate shall complete alternative units prescribed by the school on the recommendation of the course coordinator concerned.

7. Award of Certificate

A successful candidate shall be awarded the certificate at one of four levels, Pass, Credit, Distinction or High Distinction.