Bachelor of Economics in Development Economics

The purpose of the qualification is to train learners to play a dynamic role in those professions that have a bearing on economic policy and transformation. These might be people who would want to take up employment in government, but it could also include those who will work in NGOs around development issues or in those professions where critical perspectives on issues of economic transformation are crucial such as journalism or higher education. A secondary purpose would be to provide a set of learners who would be eligible to enter Postgraduate qualifications in areas such as Development Studies, Public Administration, as well as Economics itself.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria as stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learners' admission.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Bachelor of Economics: Development Economics, NQF Level 7, 480 Credits.

Curriculum

Year 1

• Economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Political Studies, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• English, 15/30 credits, NQF Level 5.
• Economic History, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Quantitative reasoning, 10 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Social development, 10 Credits, NQF Level 5.
• Humanities, 15/30 Credits, NQF Level 5.

Year 2

• Development Economics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• History, 30 credits, NQF Level 6.
• Macroeconomics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Microeconomics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Public sector economics, 10, NQF Level 6.
• Labour economics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Social development, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Quantitative reasoning, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Political Studies, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Political studies, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.

Year 3

• Comparative economic systems, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Development Economics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Development Finance, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Econometrics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Macroeconomics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Quantitative reasoning, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Public sector economics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
• Public Administration, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.

Year 4

• Development Economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
• Econometrics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
• Macroeconomics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.

Electives (40 Credits from)

• Resource economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
• Gender and Development.
• Theories of transformation.
• Development Finance.
• Health economics.
• Demography, 10 credits, NQF Level 7.
• Economics impact of HIV/Aids, 10 credits, NQF Level 7.

1. Analyse important South African data sets.
2. Understand the fundamentals of Economics.
3. Understand the major economic challenges of developing countries.
4. Evaluate the appropriateness of different development strategies.
5. Use and critique econometric tools.
6. Undertake research and present research findings.

• Display specialised scholastic and basic research skills in topics as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor.
• Set and demonstrate assignments modelling and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. adequate level of relevant text comprehension.
• Access, an adequate range of relevant sources.
• Grasp relevant problems.
• Present appropriate theoretical, practical assignments, case studies as well as solutions to problems.
• Work in a team environment and to be able to manage a project in this context.

Integrated Assessment

The institution adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consist of a number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).