Master of Arts in Development Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the specialised intellectual, analytical and practical skills of acquiring, analysing, interpreting and implementing development knowledge, principles, theories, research methods and findings, and applying these in the social context.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All potential learners who are not in possession of a BA Honours degree need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which give them access to the programme need to apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for Recognition of Prior Learning.

Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the departmental chairperson of the department offering the module or modules the learner wishes to be credited for, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.

The principles of RPL are subscribed to and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not to be to the detriment of the potential learner and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.

The Committee will assess learners` competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for a) access to,b) advanced placement in, or c) recognition of status for this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Administration Honours in Development Studies, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Development Studies, NQF Level 8.

The learner should be able to

1. Demonstrate the ability to do in-depth research relevant to development;
2. Use advanced terms, concepts, definitions, classifications and theories inherent to the development field and reflect on the application of these;
3. Identify problems in the development field and suggest workable and appropriate responses to these through creative and critical thinking;
4. Work effectively with other scientists and role-players in a team aimed at exploring, analysing and interpreting phenomena through the general social sciences about the development field in particular;
5. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the role of science and technology in development;
6. Compentently handle methods,techniques and methodological approaches (including entrepreneurship where relevant) with a view to reaching development objectives;
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential role of the development facilitator in the process of improving the quality of life of people;
8. Demonstrate self-reliance, honesty, responsibilty, hard work and sensitivity to defferences in the execution of his or her tsks;
9. Use multiple learning strategies in the acquisition of knowledge of development;
10. Aquire employment seeking skills for entry into the different areas of the developmet field; and
11. Communicate effectively in oral and written form.

The learner can: / Does the learner

1. Propose, plan, execute and complete a comprehensive research project independently?
2. Demonstrate the meaning of terms, concepts, definitions, classifications and theories inherent to the development field, and show their strengths and weaknesses?
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify problems in the development field through the analysis of development issues and structure solutions to development problems around these analyses?
4. Demonstrate effective teamship, problem analysis and reflection in situations of teamwork?
5. Understand the relevance of technology of science to development?
6. Demonstrate the use and application of methods, techniques and methodological approaches in a development situation?
7. Demonstrate competance in facilitating and/or evaluating the implementation of development interventions?
8. Demonstrate self-reliance, honesty, responsibility, hard work and sensitivity to differences through the delivery of high quality academic work?
9. Show the ability to identify multiple ways of acquiring knowledge through the delivery of high qulity academic work?
10. Demonstrate employment seeking skills by producing high quality academic work that is relevant to society in its time and place?
11. Demonstrate communication skills by being able to express him/herself in a team situation and in front of an audience?

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented.

Learners in the MA coursework qualificationme are continuously assessed via a range of formative assessment strategies, such as class assignments, essays and seminar presentations. Learners also do practical work (independently and in groups during study visits) which is evaluated by assessors. Self-assessment activities are included in the study guides. In addition, learners will assess one another`s work and reflect on the dynamics of this process. Learners in the MA dissertation qualificationme are assessed via a proposal for study, discussions with study leaders on the progress of the research and the presentation of finding in a seminar.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented.

Learners in the MA coursework qualificationme undergo integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes which will be done by means of written assignments, and/or a research or practical project, as well as end of semester final examinations. In addition to this, learners are assessed by the completion of a mini-dissertation of at least 70 pages. Learners in the MA dissertation qualificationme are required to complete a dissertation of at least 150 pages on the topic of study, as approved by the department.