Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Crop Science)
The Master of Science in Agriculture, Crop Sciences (MCS) 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 | MCS |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Fulltime |
| Intake | August |
Entry requirements
Admission to the Master of Science in Agriculture (Crop Science) shall follow the general regulations of Kabale University and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. 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 Crop Science
- BSc Horticulture
- BSc Agronomy
- BSc Biological Sciences
- BSc Forestry
- BSc Economics (with relevant agricultural coursework)
- Or any other agriculture-related qualification deemed equivalent.
- Applicants with a pass degree may be considered if they have:
- Substantial professional experience in crop production, agronomy, or agricultural research, or
- A relevant Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture, Crop Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, or related fields.
- International applicants must provide evidence of equivalence to the above qualifications and meet the university’s 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
| Core courses | LH | PH | CH | CU | |
| Year 1: Semester I | |||||
| MCS8111 | Seed production and quality control | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8112 | Botany of crops and Cultivar Development | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8113 | Biometrics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8114 | Plant Breeding Methods | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8115 | Plant Cell and Tissue culture | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8116 | Quantitative Genetics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCAR8008 | Computer Applications in Research | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| Total | 28 | ||||
| Year I: Semester II | |||||
| Courses | |||||
| MCS8121 | Advanced Plant Disease Management | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8122 | Research Methods | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8123 | Advanced Agronomy | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8124 | Advanced Crop Physiology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS8125 | Weed Science and Cropping Systems | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCS 8126 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABE8304 | Scholarly writing and publication skills | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| Total | 28 | ||||
| Year II: | |||||
| MCS8211 | Dissertation | 5 | |||
| MCS8212 | Applied Plant Virology and Nematology | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MCS8213 | Insect plant management systems | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| Electives (Student to select one) | |||||
| MCS8214 | Utilization and Conservation of plant genetic resources | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MCS8215 | Bio-safety management | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| Total | 14 | ||||
| Grand Total | 70 | ||||
L = Lecture hours, CH = Contact Hours, PH = Practical hour, CU = Credit Units. CONTACT HOURS: 70
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc in Agriculture (Crop Science) acquire advanced scientific, analytical, and research competencies that prepare them for diverse professional roles in crop production, plant breeding, research, and agricultural policy. Career opportunities include:
- Research Officers / Scientists
Engaging in applied and advanced research to develop high-yielding and better-performing crop varieties, improve agronomic practices, and address challenges across the crop value chain. - Policy Analysts / Advisors
Supporting government ministries, local governments, NGOs, and international development agencies with evidence-based policy guidance on phytosanitary measures, biosafety, crop protection, seed systems, and applications of molecular biology and biotechnology in agriculture. - Crop Protection and Plant Breeding Specialists
Designing, implementing, and managing programs in crop protection, pest and disease management, and plant breeding to enhance productivity and resilience. - Value Chain and Multi-Sector Platform Specialists
Working across the crop science value chain, from production and post-harvest handling to marketing and trade, to improve efficiency, profitability, and sustainability. - Think Tank Officers / Agricultural Consultants
Providing expert analysis and strategic advice on crop science, demonstrating comprehensive understanding of production, policy, research, and value chain management. - Research and Data Analysts
Designing, conducting, analysing, and interpreting research studies on important crop science problems to inform decision-making, innovation adoption, and policy formulation. - Academic Scholars / Lecturers
Contributing original knowledge to crop science through teaching, mentoring, and publication of research in internationally recognized journals.
Target Audience
The MSc in Agriculture (Crop Science) is designed for:
Fresh Graduates
Holders of degrees in agriculture, crop science, agronomy, horticulture, plant science, soil science, biological sciences, or related fields who wish to acquire advanced knowledge and research skills in crop production and plant improvement.
Professionals in the Agricultural Sector
Individuals currently working in:
- Government ministries and departments (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, crop research and extension units)
- Local governments (production, research, and advisory services)
- Research institutions and universities (e.g., NARO, CGIAR centres)
- NGOs and civil society organisations engaged in crop production, value chain development, or agricultural research
- Private sector agribusinesses, seed companies, input suppliers, and consultancy firms
- who require advanced skills in crop science research, value chain management, policy analysis, and agronomic advisory services.
Self-Employed Practitioners and Entrepreneurs
Farmers, agribusiness operators, consultants, or innovators seeking to strengthen their capacity in crop production, research, farm management, and value addition.