Master of Arts in Development and Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Development and Management is to provide Postgraduate learners with advanced knowledge, analytical, inter-personal and problem solving skills in the field of Development and Management, that would enable them to be self-driven and integrated thinkers who can critically evaluate the literature pertaining to the field of specialisation and undertake research contributing to the production and advancement of knowledge in their area of specialisation. This qualification will empower learners to study further towards a Doctoral Degree.

Rationale

The Master of Arts in Development and Management, Level 9 is a multi-disciplinary qualification, which offers learners the opportunity to develop analytical and research skills in their chosen specialisation. The Degree focuses on professional growth through the advancement and production of knowledge and management related skills development. The Degree contributes to research leadership and scholarly activity in a developmental South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification.

RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• A relevant Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 186 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (106 Credits)

• Methodology, 16 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 90 Credits.

Elective modules (choose at least 5 additional modules)

• The South African Society, 16 Credits.
• Applied Project Management, 16 Credits.
• The Political Environment: South Africa (SA) Application, 16 Credits.
• Governance and Transformation, 16 Credits.
• Sustainable Development: Theoretical Orientation, 16 Credits.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Meaning and Origins, 16 Credits.
• Change and Conflict Management, 16 Credits.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Implications and Impact, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Security Management in the SA Environment, 16 Credits.
• Disaster Risk Reduction, 16 Credits.
• Public Management, 16 Credits.
• Applied Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• Performance Management, 16 Credits.
• Local Governance, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Leadership, 16 Credits.
• Cultural Dynamics of Water, 16 Credits.
• Integrated Water Studies, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Development Communication Theory, 16 Credits.
• Hydro-Politics, 16 Credits.
• Statutory Security: The South Africa (SA) Environment, 16 Credits.

1. Engage with and critique current research and practices.
2. Evaluate knowledge production and choose a process of enquiry.
3. Design, select and apply a wide range of appropriate and creative methods to complex problems.
4. Attend to complex ethical problems.
5. Design and implement a strategy for processing and managing information.
6. Use academic and professional discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas, coming from own perspectives.
7. Develop own learning strategies for independent learning and professional development.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Critically reflect on, and demonstrate an understanding and application of appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities a responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of a Master's Dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation.

Formative and Summative Assessments of various forms are done for the course work modules.