Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Agronomy)
The Master of Science in Agriculture, Agronomy (MAG) aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of new knowledge and use research to find solutions to problems in agriculture. The Masters builds on the relatively broad base laid by the BSc in Agricultural programmes currently being offered in the faculty including plant breeding, seed technology, crop science, agricultural extension and innovations, agronomy and agricultural economics and allows students to focus their attention and specialize in a particular area of agriculture. The programme also builds on constant demand for graduate training from graduates already working with government and none governmental organisations and civil societies. Since a Masters qualification is the minimum for entry into academia, this qualification will assist in creating a pipeline of new academics in agriculture. Students in this programme will develop the outcomes that are in line with those recommended by National Council for High Education. Such outcomes include critical reflection on theory and its application, ability to deal creatively and systematically on complex issues in agricultural extension, make sound judgments based on informed data, plan and implement projects/task at professional levels, and communicate clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences. As part of support for students registered on the programme, in addition to specific core cores, the university offers critical training in research methods, scholarly writing and publication skills and use of computers in agricultural research. These outcomes will be pivotal in addressing demands by different international agreements such Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly SDGs 1 of no poverty and 2 of zero hunger; New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), especially Pillar IV being implemented by the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) which stresses the need to build capacity for research, technology adoption and extension. In addition, the outcomes of this programme will be in line with national demands of Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, Vision 2040, National Development Plan III, Parish Development Model among others all of which require critical human resources in agricultural sector to facilitate innovations to address the increasing food insecurity and other livelihood challenges facing communities
Overview
| Code | MAG |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Fulltime |
| Intake | August |
Entry requirements
The general guidelines for admission to Kabale University and specifically the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences will apply. Applicants for admission to the Master of Science in agricultural sciences degree programme should:
Applicants must:
- Hold an honours Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university:
- BSc Agriculture, BSc Agronomy, BSc Crop Science, BSc Horticulture, BSc Soil Science, BSc Biological Sciences, BSc Environmental Science, BSc Forestry
- Or any other agriculture-related qualification deemed equivalent.
- Applicants with a pass degree may be considered if they have:
- Substantial relevant professional experience in agronomy, crop production, or agricultural research, or
- A relevant Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, or related fields.
- International applicants must present qualifications equivalent to the above and meet university requirements for international admissions.
Fees structure
| Tuition Fees per Semester (East African) | UGX 1,500,000 |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees per Semester (Non East Africans) | UGX 2,250,000 |
| Fieldwork/School Practice/Industrial Training/Internship/COBERS Fees (per year) | UGX 1,000,000 (Years 1&2) |
Functional Fees
| Compulsory fees | UGX |
| Application fee | 50,000 |
| Registration fees (per Academic Year) | 60,000 |
| Identity Card (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Student Manual (Payable once in the 1st Semester) | 20,000 |
| Library fee (per Academic Year) | 50,000 |
| Medicare fee (per semester) | 30,000 |
| Computer Laboratory fee (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Laboratory Fee for MSc in Chemistry (Per semester) | 200,000 |
| Examination fee (per semester) | 100,000 |
| Innovation fund (per year) | 100,000 |
| Research fee (per Academic Year) | 200,000 |
| Development Fund (per Academic Year) | 100,000 |
| Student Games Union fee (Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Student Guild fee (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
| Contribution to the Uganda National Students’ Association (UNSA) (per Academic Year) | 2,000 |
| Certification (per copy) | 5,000 |
| Graduation fee (Payable on Completion of Studies) | |
| a) Ceremony | 80,000 |
| b) Transcript | 50,000 |
| c) Certificate | 50,000 |
| d) Convocation | 20,000 |
| Total | 200,000 |
| Consequential fees | |
| Late Registration (per semester; after the deadline for official registration) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of Transcript (per issue) | 50,000 |
| Replacement of other University Credentials (Admission Letter, Identity Card, Library Card, etc…) | 20,000 |
| Retake/Supplementary/Missed/Special Exam fee (per course) | 50,000 |
| To be remitted to NCHE via www.ura.go.ug | |
| Contribution to National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) Collections (per Academic Year) | 20,000 |
Fees Structure 2025-2026
Course details
- LH Lecture Hours
- CH Contact Hours
- TH Tutorial Hours
- CU Credit Units
Year I; Semester 1
| Course No. | Course title | Credit Value | |
| Core courses | |||
| MAG8111 | Botany of crops and Cultivar Development | 4 | |
| MAG8112 | Seed Production and Quality Control | 4 | |
| MAG8113 | Advanced soil fertility and plant nutrition | 4 | |
| MAG8114 | Advanced Horticulture Management | 4 | |
| MAG8115 | Biometrics | 4 | |
| MAG8116 | Fertilizer Technology Use | 4 | |
| MCAR8008 | Computer Applications in Research | 4 | |
| Total | 28 | ||
| Year 1;Semester 2 | |||
| Course No. | Course title | Credit Value | |
| Core courses | |||
| MAG8121 | Advanced Plant Disease Management | 4 | |
| MAG8122 | Advanced weed science and Cropping Systems | 4 | |
| MAG8123 | Insect Plant Management Systems | 4 | |
| MAG8124 | Advanced Crop Agronomy | 4 | |
| MAG8125 | Advanced Crop Physiology | 4 | |
| MAG8126 | Research methods | 4 | |
| ABE8304 | Scholarly writing and publication skills | 4 | |
| Total | 28 | ||
| Year 2; Semester 1 | |||
| MAG8211 | Proposal and Dissertation Compilation | 5 | |
| MAG8212 | Soil-plant interactions | 3 | |
| MAG 8213 | Pasture Agronomy | 3 | |
| Electives (studet to chose at least one) | |||
| MAG8214 | Applied Ecology | 3 | |
| MAG8216 | Utilization and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources | 4 | |
| Total | 14 | ||
| Year 2; Semester 2 | 14 | ||
| MAG8211 | Dissertation completion and submission | ||
TOTAL CREDIT UNITS: 70
Career opportunities
- Join research bodies: Employ different scientific disciplines related to Agronomy to produce high yielding and better performing varieties and properly manage them in addressing value-chain needs;
- Be part of Policy bodies in providing policy guidance such as on phytosanitary, biosafety, crop protection, seed industry and applications of molecular biology and biotechnological methods used by agricultural researchers;
- Design and run crop protection and plant breeding programmes;
- Work in multi-sector platforms of crop and soil value chain (from production to marketing).
- Think tank officers in demonstrating in-depth understanding of all aspects associated with agronomy disciplines;
- Design, conduct, analyze, and interpret research effectively on important problems in agronomy disciplines
- Academic scholars in making original contribution to the body of knowledge on crop science through publication of original research findings in internationally recognized publishing media.
Target Audience:
The MSc in Agriculture (Agronomy) is designed for:
Fresh Graduates
Holders of undergraduate degrees in agriculture, crop science, agronomy, horticulture, soil science, biological sciences, environmental science, or related fields who wish to acquire advanced knowledge and practical skills in crop production, agronomic research, and sustainable farming systems.
Professionals in the Agricultural Sector
Individuals currently working in:
- Government ministries and departments (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, local government agricultural offices)
- Research institutions and agricultural extension services (e.g., NARO, universities, CGIAR centres)
- NGOs and civil society organisations engaged in agricultural development, crop production, or sustainable farming initiatives
- Private sector agribusinesses, seed companies, input suppliers, and crop management firms
who seek to enhance their technical competence, agronomic expertise, and capacity to improve crop productivity and sustainable land use.
Self-Employed Practitioners and Entrepreneurs
Farmers, agribusiness operators, consultants, or agricultural innovators aiming to strengthen their skills in crop production, farm management, agronomic advisory services, and sustainable agricultural practices.