AgriSciences
Horticultural Science
South Africa’s fruit and flower exports compete with the best in the world and the Department of Horticultural Science is truly proud of the top-class horticultural scientists it trains for South African and international industries. Horticultural Science is very diverse in its activities, covering plants for food and non-food crops. Due to the growing consciousness of the enormous challenges of feeding the world’s expanding population in future, the concepts “farm to the fork” and “farm for the future” are extremely important. Both concepts place the emphasis on the sustainable use of our natural resources to produce tasty and nourishing products at the lowest possible cost and with the least amount of waste.
The degree in Horticultural Science has been designed with employability in mind since the content was conceptualized with strong inputs from various South African industry partners, such as deciduous fruit, citrus, subtropical fruit and cut flowers, to make its graduates a most desirable asset to any industry.
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Can I study Horticultural Science if I only have Math Literacy?
No, unfortunately, you need pure Mathematics – with Mathematical Literacy you could consider applying for programmes offered at the Elsenburg Agricultural College which is situated 10km outside Stellenbosch (visit their web page here).
Must I have Physical Science in grade 12 to study Horticultural Science?
Yes, you need both Mathematics and Physical Science.
What are the admission requirements (i.e., school subjects and relevant grades) for a degree in Horticulture?
The admission requirements for the BScAgric programmes are as follows:
- An average performance level of 60% in the NSC or the IEB’s school-leaving certificate (excluding Life Orientation), or other school qualification.
- English or Afrikaans (Home Language or First Additional Language) – 4 (50%).
- Mathematics – 5 (60%); and
- Physical Sciences (Physics and Chemistry) – 4 (50%).
How many years does it take to complete a degree in Horticultural Science?
Four years
Can Horticulture be combined with other disciplines?
Yes, the BScAgric always consists of two majors and it can be combined with Agricultural Economics, Entomology, Genetics, Plant Pathology, and Soil Science.
Can Horticulture be combined with Grapevine Sciences or Agronomy?
No this is unfortunately not possible. You will have to make a choice between Horticultural Science, Agronomy and Grapevine Sciences as your main crop type.
Are there good job opportunities for someone with a Horticulture degree.
The answer is a definite yes. If you just consider the sheer diversity of fruit and cut flower types that are produced worldwide, and the fact that most of these crops require the involvement of a trained, professional horticulturist, then the job opportunities are truly plentiful. In the last 20 years, we have not had a single student who could not find a decent job.
What kind of jobs are there as a horticulturist?
There are several branches in horticulture you can work in:
- Managing of fruit or flowers at production level (farm, packhouse – or technical manager, quality controller)
- Nursery manager and export
- Various agri-businesses (the agro-chemical industry or as product manager)
- Researcher
- Technical consultant
