Master of Science in Agricultural Sciences (Soil Science)
The Master of Science in Agriculture (Soil Science) is designed to train professionals with advanced scientific, analytical, and practical competencies required to address persistent and emerging soil-related challenges in agricultural production and environmental management. The programme equips graduates with the expertise needed to assess, conserve, improve, and sustainably manage soil resources to enhance crop productivity, ecosystem resilience, and overall agricultural sustainability.
Building on the strong foundation provided by undergraduate agricultural programmes—such as soil science, crop science, agronomy, environmental science, agricultural extension, plant breeding, and related biological sciences the MSc in Soil Science enables students to specialise in the study of soil formation, classification, fertility, chemistry, physics, microbiology, and land evaluation. Students develop the capacity to apply scientific and technological innovations in soil management, soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and soil–plant interactions.
The programme responds to growing national and regional demand for soil scientists capable of supporting agricultural intensification, climate-smart agriculture, environmental protection, land-use planning, and sustainable natural resource management. Graduates are prepared for careers in research institutions, universities, government agencies, NGOs, environmental consultancies, and private sector agribusinesses. The programme also provides a strong foundation for students intending to pursue doctoral studies.
Students develop competencies aligned with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) graduate expectations. These include the ability to critically apply soil science theories, conduct advanced laboratory and field analysis, diagnose soil constraints, design and implement soil management strategies, generate scientific evidence, and effectively communicate scientific results to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
To support this development, the programme integrates training in research methodology, soil analytical techniques, soil fertility management, advanced agronomy, soil conservation, land evaluation, and scholarly writing. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, field practicals, data analysis, and independent research.
The expected outcomes of the MSc in Soil Science align with global, regional, and national development frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and SDG 15: Life on Land), the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), and NEPAD. These frameworks emphasize sustainable soil management, environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and improved agricultural productivity.
At the national level, the programme contributes directly to Uganda’s Vision 2040, the National Development Plan III, the Plan for Modernization of Agriculture, and the Parish Development Model. These priorities highlight the need for skilled professionals capable of guiding soil and land resource management, improving soil fertility and productivity, promoting climate-resilient farming systems, and supporting evidence-based agricultural planning.
Overview
| Code | MSS |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Study time | Fulltime |
| Intake | August |
Entry requirements
The general admission guidelines of Kabale University and the Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences will apply. Applicants must:
- Possess an honours Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: BSc Agriculture, BSc Biological Sciences, BSc Forestry, BSc Environmental Science, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university.
- Applicants with pass degrees but substantial relevant experience or a postgraduate diploma in a related field may also be considered.
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 1: Semester I | |||||
| Core courses | LH | PH | CH | CU | |
| Year 1: Semester I | |||||
| MSS8111 | Pedology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8112 | Biometrics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8113 | Advanced Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8114 | Advanced Soil Microbiology | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8115 | Fertilizer Technology | 30 | 30 | 45 | 4 |
| MSS8116 | Advanced Soil Physics | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MCAR8008 | Computer applications in research | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| 28 | |||||
| Year I: Semester II | |||||
| Core Courses | |||||
| MSS8121 | Advanced Soil Chemistry | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8122 | Soil Degradation and Conservation | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8123 | Advanced Crop Agronomy | 30 | 30 | 45 | 4 |
| MSS8124 | Soil Survey and Land Evaluation | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| MSS8125 | Research Methods | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| ABE8304 | Scholarly writing and publishing skills | 45 | 30 | 60 | 4 |
| 24 | |||||
| Year II: Semester I | |||||
| MSS8211 | Dissertation | 5 | |||
| MSS8212 | Soil Analysis and Instrumentation | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MSS8213 | Soil Organic Matter | 45 | 30 | 60 | 3 |
| Electives (Student to select one) | |||||
| MSS8214 | Soil plant interactions | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| MSS8215 | Municipal and Farm Organic Waste Management | 30 | 30 | 45 | 3 |
| 14 | |||||
| Grand Total | 66 | ||||
L = Lecture hours, CH = Contact Hours, PH = Practical hour, CU = Credit Units.
CREDIT UNITS: 66
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MSc in Agriculture (Soil Science) are equipped with advanced scientific and analytical competencies that prepare them for diverse careers in soil management, agricultural production, environmental sustainability, and research. Career opportunities include:
Soil Scientists / Soil Fertility Specialists
Assessing soil health, diagnosing soil problems, designing soil fertility improvement strategies, and supporting sustainable crop production.
Land Use and Soil Conservation Officers
Guiding land-use planning, soil conservation strategies, watershed management, and climate-smart land management at district, national, and regional levels.
Soil and Environmental Research Scientists
Conducting applied and advanced research in soil chemistry, soil microbiology, soil fertility, soil physics, nutrient cycling, and soil–plant interactions in research institutes and universities.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Specialists
Providing soil and environmental expertise for environmental assessments, land restoration plans, mining rehabilitation, and pollution control.
Soil Laboratory Technologists / Analysts
Managing laboratory operations, conducting soil and plant tissue analyses, and supporting research and advisory services for agricultural and environmental institutions.
Agricultural Input and Fertilizer Industry Experts
Working in fertilizer formulation, quality control, product development, and advisory services within the agricultural input industry.
Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Specialists
Providing technical guidance to farmers and agribusinesses on soil fertility management, soil conservation, and sustainable land management practices.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officers
Leading soil-related monitoring and evaluation of agricultural, environmental, and natural resource management programmes.
Soil and Land Resource Management Consultants
Supporting government agencies, NGOs, private sector firms, and international organisations in soil surveys, land evaluation, environmental planning, and sustainable land resource management.
Academic and Research Careers
Joining higher education institutions as lecturers or researchers and contributing scientific knowledge through publication and teaching.
Target Audience
The MSc in Agriculture (Soil Science) is designed for:
Fresh Graduates
Holders of degrees in agriculture, soil science, environmental science, agronomy, biological sciences, or related fields seeking advanced training in soil science.
Professionals in the Agricultural and Environmental Sectors
Those working in:
- Government ministries (e.g., MAAIF, Ministry of Water & Environment)
- Local governments (production departments, natural resource offices)
- Research institutions (e.g., NARO, CGIAR centres)
- NGOs and environmental organisations
- Private sector agribusiness, fertilizer companies, and laboratories
- who require expertise in soil management, land evaluation, or environmental conservation.
Independent practitioners and consultants
Individuals engaged in consultancy, environmental assessment, land-use planning, or agronomic advisory services who seek to strengthen their technical competence in soil science.