Bachelor of Development Studies

Purpose

The Bachelor of Development Studies is an inter-disciplinary undergraduate qualification which seeks to provide learners with a foundation in Development and Economics. The qualification aims to provide learners with a sound theoretical grounding in the principles and practices of economic development as it pertains to policy, research of policy and implementation of policy in a development context.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Commerce in Development Studies responds to the needs of government and the private sector for competent specialists to be able to conduct research, write, implement, understand and communicate policy initiatives towards economic growth and development. The impact of new policies and legislation in South Africa are far-reaching and assumed to be understood or accepted by all levels of South African society. Within the local government context it is imperative that municipalities are enabled to review their policies and policy-making processes affecting development activities, and work in consultation with industry and other interested parties to achieve sustainable development practices. Furthermore, it is vital to secure sustainable industry through sustained ecological development in consultation with stakeholders and by developing and applying consistent legislation. For this to be successful we need to ensure that we have the necessary skills available and these will be central to the Bachelor of Development Studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria may apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures.

Entry Requirements

There are three access routes into the qualification

• Learners with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry into Bachelor's Degree studies.

Or

• Learners with a Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• Learners who are in possession of a recognised certificate or Diploma in the relevant field.

Rules of Combination

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 and elective modules at NQF Levels 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, at NQF Level 5, 18 Credits

• Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
• Sociology an introduction, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 6, 216 Credits

• Introduction to Micro Economics, 12 Credits.
• Economic History A, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Development Studies AND, 10 Credits.
• Development Issues in Contemporary Africa, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Organisational Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Empire, Capital and Development, 10 Credits.
• Development Communication, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Macro Economics, 12 Credits.
• Economic History B, 10 Credits.
• Groups and Organisations, 6 Credits.
• Social Structure and Change, 6 Credits.
• Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, 12 Credits.
• Macro Economics, 14 Credits.
• Project Appraisal, 10 Credits.
• Contemporary Development Theories, 12 Credits.
• Development Planning, 12 Credits.
• Microeconomics, 14 Credits.
• Demography and Population Economics, 10 Credits.
• Global Development Studies, 12 Credits.
• EIA and Land Planning for Development, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 7, 45 Credits.

• Development Policy, 15 Credits.
• Research Methods for Development, 15 Credits.
• Case Studies in Developing and Transitional Countries, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, at NQF Level 6

• Social and Environmental Issues, 10 Credits.
• Group Dynamics, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management: Procurement, 12 Credits.
• Labour Relations, 12 Credits.
• Contemporary Labour Studies, 10 Credits.
• Women in Africa, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management: Development, 12 Credits.
• Human Resource Management: Reward Systems, 12 Credits.
• Workplace Negotiations and Dispute, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, at NQF Level 7

• Public Economics, 10 Credits.
• Economics and Financial Markets, 10 Credits.
• Labour Economics, 10 Credits.
• Managerial Economics, 10 Credits.
• Econometrics, 10 Credits.
• Development Economics, 10 Credits.
• International Economics, 10 Credits.
• Economic and Development Ethics, 10 Credits.
• Security, Peace and Reconstruction, 15 Credits.
• Political Economy of Development, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the complexities of policy theory as it applies to the principles and practices of economic development as well as the roles played by different stakeholders and drivers of policy development and implementation.
2. Design and implement appropriate research projects, apply relevant research methods and present reports in appropriate format in a development context.
3. Measure the performance of different areas, countries and institutions in terms of economic development by applying appropriate criteria.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge, insight and understanding of the principles, practices and procedures prevalent in infrastructural development, project finance, micro-enterprise and international finance for development is applied.
• Knowledge to address contemporary social issues is applied.
• An appreciation of the interdisciplinary context of the development in individuals and in societies is shown; as well the connection between individual and society and between structure and agency is understood.
• Specialist in-depth understanding of development issues is developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A clear understanding of the concepts of methods of analysis is applied.
• Appropriate research projects are designed and implemented, relevant research methods are applied and reports are presented in an appropriate format.
• Information on key issues in Third World Development is collected, analysed and interpreted and reasoned, evidenced argument is constructed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A multi-disciplinary understanding of the changing trends in development thinking with an in depth knowledge of evolving theoretical, conceptual and policy debates is acquired.
• Knowledge, to work in cultures other than their own and within a multicultural environment is applied.
• The performance of different areas, countries and institutions in terms of economic development are presented by applying appropriate criteria.

Integrated Assessment

The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its content and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical approach. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

Regular assessments of holistic knowledge skills and attributes of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments, case studies and a formal written examination. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes.

In each module, assignments will be done where learners will have to prove they have mastered the ability to understand, integrate and apply the theory learnt in the module in practice using suitable case studies. The learners' insight in integrating and applying knowledge in practical situations will be assessed through such case studies and assignments. The case studies and assignments will be constructed in such a manner that assessment moves gradually from the formative to the summative.