Master of Arts in Land Reform and Rural Development

Purpose

This Masters (MA) qualification provides an advanced learning qualification in Land Reform and Rural Development emphasising enquiry, innovation and science through which advanced research skills like problem identification, analysis and critical thinking are highly developed.

Rationale

The rationale behind the composition of this qualification is to enable the student to develop as a researcher in Land Reform and Rural Development and to conduct a research project successfully and thereby produce skilful researchers to society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the North West University (NWU). The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally(obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching qualifications or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. The recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A cognate four-year qualification at Level 8.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits

• Mini-Dissertation, 90 Credits.
• Seminar on Methods of Social Science Research, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 60 Credits

• Comp Modules of Rural Dev Policy, 12 Credits.
• Comp Land tenure Inst and Tenure Systems, 12 Credits.
• Indigenous Land and Water Man Systems, 12 Credits.
• Project Dev, Man and Administration, 12 Credits.
• African and Global: Trends and Issues, 12 Credits.
• Internat Political ECO and Governance, 12 Credits.
• Comparative indigenous Afri Approaches, 12 Credits.
• Gender and Other Identity Issues, 12 Credits.
• Indigenous Knowledge ETC, 12 Credits.
• Compare African Western Political, 12 Credits.
• Rural Energy Forms and Uses, 12 Credits.
• African Renais and Compar Lang Pol, 12 Credits.
• Drought, Floods and Famine in Dev Countries, 12 Credits.
• Rural Small Scale Industries, 12 Credits.
• Rural Small Scale Industries, 12 Credits.
• African Religions and Philosophies, 12 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, both discipline-specific and interdisciplinary.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem.
3. Interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of Information Technology (IT), to an audience of academic peers.
4. Students should demonstrate a critical understanding and the ability to analyse country-case studies of land tenure intuitions and tenure systems, including their impact on rural development and social change.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to 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.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and 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.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and 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 specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.