Higher Certificate in Economic Development

Purpose

The qualification aims to facilitate good governance by capacity building of people, towards active citizenship through the provision of training in the application of development economics and budgets.

Rationale

The qualification facilitates good governance by building the capacity of people in disadvantaged communities, particularly in community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations, towards active citizenship through the provision of training in the application of development economics and budgets.

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.

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institutions' Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in Economic Development as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Certificate: Economic Development, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.

Learning components

• Communication and Computer Literacy.
• Development Economics.
• Gender and Development.
• Design and Facilitation of Community Development Interventions.
• Local Government, Advocacy and Lobbying.
• Research Project.
• Workplace Learning.

ByBy the end of the qualification, qualifying learners will

1. Have a basic understanding of development economics within the South African context.
2. Apply concepts of development economics in dealing with problems facing community-based organisations and communities.
3. Respond critically to budgets developed by local municipalities and, through advocacy and lobbying, assist in drawing up alternative budgets based on the needs of people at a local level.
4. Facilitate strategic planning processes for communities.
5. Use strategic plan developed as a tool for effective lobbying of government on a local level.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place according to strict assessment criteria as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. An adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented.

This ensure that assessments maintain a certain standard following the standards as set out in the syllabus. An external moderator moderates assessment papers set. The same principle applies to the final marking of the assessments. This ensure that skills and concepts are mastered, thereby maintaining a standard of assessment relevant to this offering.

Practical assignments (Experiential Learning)

• Workplace Assessment.
• Assignment writing.
• Group Tasks.