The Department of Agriculture and Animal Health is committed to preparing future leaders and specialists capable of strengthening the agricultural landscape through practical, research-informed, and inclusive learning experiences. We nurture graduates who are principled, adaptable, and equipped to advance sustainable food production, safeguard animal health, and support economic growth within the agricultural sector. Our department aligns with four of UNISA's ten catalytic niche areas, including the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Digitalisation, Biotechnological Studies, Health/Pharmaceutical Studies, and Student Support and Co-Curricular Activities, ensuring that students gain exposure to cutting-edge knowledge, innovative technologies, and holistic support that enhances their academic and professional development.

Our four academic streams—Plant Science, Animal Science, Animal Health, Agricultural Economics, Extension and Food Security—provide students with comprehensive, scientific, technical and economic knowledge needed to address real-world challenges, enhance community wellbeing, and contribute meaningfully to agricultural development across South Africa and the African Continent.

What Makes Us Unique

• Our programmes integrate scientific innovation, indigenous agricultural wisdom and real world application to produce contextually relevant graduates.
• Course materials include glossaries that are translated from English to several South African languages, fostering accessibility and engagement for students across diverse linguistic backgrounds.
• Noteworthy academic career progression: The Department has produced academics who were recruited as lecturers under the nGAP programme, and these individuals have since been promoted to Professors, now holding leadership positions within the Department and the College.
• The Department is among the top-performing departments in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in terms of research output and publications.

Our Programmes

The Department of Agriculture and Animal Health offers a diverse range of qualifications designed to equip students for careers in the agricultural sector. These qualifications include:

• At undergraduate level, the Department offers: Higher Certificate in Animal Welfare, Diploma in Agricultural Management, Diploma in Animal Health, Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management, Advanced Diploma in Animal Health, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science in Agricultural Business and Management (ABM), Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science in Animal Science (ANS), and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science in Plant Science (PLS).
• At postgraduate level, four distinct qualifications are offered, which include: Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture Agri-Business (ABM), Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture Animal Health (AHE), Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture Animal Science (ANS), Postgraduate Diploma in Agriculture Plant Science (PLS).
• At Master’s level, students are offered a Master of Science in Agriculture, a programme designed to provide advanced knowledge and specialised skills in Animal Health, Animal Science, Plant Science, and Agricultural Business and Management. This degree equips students with the ability to conduct independent research, apply scientific principles to solve practical agricultural problems, and contribute to innovation in areas such as crop production, animal health, animal science and agribusiness.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture is aimed at developing independent researchers and scholars with advanced expertise in addressing complex issues within Agricultural Sciences, specialising in Animal Science, Plant Science, Animal Health and Agricultural Business and Management.

In addition,  the department also offers short learning programs (SLP) namely:

• Course in The Application of Climate-Smart Agriculture as a Sustainable Agricultural Practice (77098)
• Short Course in the Introduction to Agribusiness Management (72621)
• Course in Laboratory Animal Technology Practice, and Pharmacology and Jurisprudence for Laboratory Animal Technologists (77077)

Learning That Goes Beyond the Classroom

The Department actively participates in a variety of community engagement programs aimed at promoting agricultural knowledge, animal health, and sustainable practices. These programs include:

• Mobile Clinic: This initiative focuses on delivering essential veterinary services directly to local communities. Its primary aim is to vaccinate livestock and pets, as well as provide other critical animal health interventions, thereby improving the overall well-being of animals and supporting local farmers.
• Mothong Program: This program is designed to create awareness and provide hands-on training in plant science to school-going children and community members. Through Mothong, participants gain practical knowledge about crop production, plant care, and sustainable farming practices, fostering an early appreciation for agriculture and encouraging future engagement in the field.
• Urban Agriculture Collaboration: In partnership with an Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation, this program promotes collaborative learning between community beneficiaries, learners  and educatorsf. It aims to integrate practical agricultural training into the school curriculum while strengthening ties between the department and the community. This collaboration provides learners and community beneficiaries with real-world agricultural experience and supports innovation in urban and peri urban farming practices. This also incorporates a community-based SLP and workshops as the primary driving tool to engage with different partners and agencies on sites, as well as communities vulnerable to food insecurity and sustainable livelihood in South Africa and countries alike.
• Daveyton CE Hub: The project strengthens the communities in Daveyton and extends to other areas implemented in collaboration with South African Women in Dialogue (SAWID) and UNISA Women’s Forum (UWF). The primary objective of the project is to transfer skills, knowledge, and training to interested community members in Daveyton and the surrounding areas within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality of Gauteng province.

Impact and Relevance

The Department’s research and teaching directly advance national and continental priorities in agriculture, food security, and sustainable rural development. By promoting African-centred agricultural scholarship and innovation, the Department strengthens capacity within the agricultural sector, supports resilient farming systems, and contributes to improved animal health and sustainable resource management. In doing so, it plays a vital role in driving social and economic progress aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and South Africa’s National Development Plan. 

Collaboration & Networks

We collaborate with public institutions, community organisations, and academic networks across Africa and beyond. These partnerships with government departments, non-governmental organizations, research councils, and international bodies provide students with collaborative research projects, funding opportunities, and training opportunities.

Why Study With Us? 

Why Choose the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health at UNISA?

• Programmes aligned with real-world agricultural and animal health needs, addressing critical areas such as food security, animal production, and sustainable farming practices.
• Expert academic and technical staff with strong academic and research backgrounds are committed to student-centred learning.
• Career-ready graduates equipped with practical skills for employment in farming enterprises, veterinary services, academic and research institutions, and government sectors at local, provincial, national, and international levels.
• A strong focus on ethical leadership, innovation, and community engagement.

Learn More

Be part of Africa’s next generation of leaders shaping the future of agriculture and animal health.
Explore our programmes to discover how you can make a difference in the agricultural space.
 Learn more about our qualifications and research focus areas at the Department of Agriculture and Animal Health.