Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Development Studies

Purpose

To help students understand issues of management of development in developing countries, research process, and be able to master writing and thinking skills including logical and coherent argumentation, and be able to address poverty and policy management issues.

Rationale

• The qualification is a multidisciplinary field which takes students from other disciplines. Thus it plays the role of bridging the gap into our Masters and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes.
• The qualification empowers with skills in Development Planning and Public Policy which is related to Economic Development. The department is part of the South African Development Studies Association (SADSA).
• Since Development Studies is a multidisciplinary study, the Department encourages and invites applications from students, public servants, development practitioners, social activists and others. Career opportunities after completion include the following, Educationists, Policy Makers, Diplomats, Trade Union Officials, Research Officers, Planners, Social Impact Assessors, Development consultants, Social, Civil and Human Right Activists, Employees of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Development Officers , and Rural extension officers.
• One year based programme. Face to face mode of interaction. Students engaged in internal assessments through assignments, tests, class participation, seminar presentations and written examinations moderated internally and externally.
• It exposes students to be academics with enriched scholarly and practical experience and outcomes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Special admission to the programme may be given, subject to the approval of the Head of Department (HOD), to students who possess an undergraduate Degree in the relevant areas but do not meet the admission requirements specified. Where necessary the department will use faculty policy.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) or Undergraduate (UG) Degree in appropriate field with minimum 60% aggregate achieved for major subjects at 3rd year level; or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with at least one subject in the social sciences and an aggregate of 60% for all subjects at exit level.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Methodology in Development Studies, 32 Credits.
• Development Management in the Developing Countries, 32 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Political Economy of Health in Developing Countries, 16 Credits.
• Gender Issues and Social Change, 16 Credits.
• Strategies and Organisation of Rural Social and Economic Change, 16 Credits.
• Development Strategies and Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa, 16 Credits.

Exit Level Outcome 1

• Students will be able to understand the conceptual and theoretical aspects of the development complex and to make pragmatic Interventions in policy and planning in society.
• Students will demonstrate ability to apply different approaches to research including case studies and survey research.
• Ability to manage development projects and programmes in addressing poverty issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Assignments and group discussions.
• Research paper required.
• Research papers, Seminar presentations, group discussions and debates.
• Continuous assessment through class tests, group presentations and assignments.
• Written examinations to all.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments comprise of continuous assessments through class lectures, seminar presentations, group discussions, debates, class tests, group presentations and assignments.

Major end of semester exam is the summative assessment.