Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development is to develop a professional person equipped to pursue a career in sustainable and integrated rural development, able to deal with multiple views and different perspectives to arrive at practicable solutions in context. Drawing as it does from a variety of fields of studies, the diversity of learners in the classes will, ideally, ensure that the excellent academic learning context is enriched by the exposure to a variety of people, resulting in an integrated approach to sustainable rural development and entrepreneurship skills. This multi-disciplinary qualification is designed to provide employers with skilled individuals able to make evidence-led decisions, to plan and implement development qualifications and projects, and to provide leadership in respect of rural development policy and practice issues.

The qualification will provide learners with cutting edge knowledge in the field and, through the action research project, will respond directly to national development priorities, making a positive impact on the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of South African citizens in rural development settings. A focus on current trends in rural development and effective sustainable living will ensure that learners are encouraged to think critically providing unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural communities to promote innovative, collaborative and system-based approaches to rural development issues.

The qualification's uniqueness vests in its interdisciplinary and integration of knowledge to provide the skills needed to understand and resolve problems. The offering remains true to the nature and origins of Development Studies as an approach that is itself interdisciplinary and is committed to advancing societies.

Rationale

The qualification fits into the international agenda for development, driven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030. The Specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that inform this proposed qualification are Goal 1 - No Hunger, and Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. Against the backdrop of wanting to address these international goals, is the fact that the institution has developed a set of Research Niche Areas (RNA), one of which deals with sustainable integrated rural development. The inclusion of the notion of 'integrated development' is deliberate and speaks to a paradigm of development studies that have, since the 1980s, determined that meaningful development must not only be sustainable but also integrated, encompassing different fields of knowledge and practice as required.

The qualification aligns also with the community and the broader sustainable development sector. Relevant stakeholders at provincial and local levels have been consulted in its preparation, and there is consensus that the qualification will provide a unique training opportunity for learners and will benefit the community. This qualification is career-focused and is designed to produce learners with the technical, and research competencies, and critical intellectual abilities suited to the field of study.

Learners who will find the qualification invaluable could be drawn, inter alia, from the fields of rural and regional development and development planning, environmental planning and development, economic development, and public management and administration. Possible employers include Departments of Rural Development, local government, and agriculture, policy-making bodies, NGOs and NPOs; and businesses whose work impacts in the rural areas (financial institutions, commercial agriculture, mining, and so on). Finally, inter-governmental and international institutions, for example, United Nations development agencies, and other academic institutions.

The typical learner will have an express interest in rural development. The qualification will benefit society, the economy and the learner, through the provision of a set of skills that will enhance critical thinking and analytical ability, and will contribute to the eradication of poverty and the enhancement of the quality of life for all South Africans. The potential impact of the learners on the emerging economy is significant, and the qualification will be a useful addition to the nation's human resource capacity in the area of sustainable economic development. There can be no question that this remains a key focus area for Africa and Southern Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy acknowledges learning that takes place outside of formal institutions of learning. RPL may thus make it possible for one to either gain access to or earn credits towards this qualification.

RPL for Access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL.

• Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.

Or

• Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.

Note: in instances where RPL is applied for access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning.

RPL for credits

Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to qualification may be awarded some or all of the credits towards the qualification.

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.

Or

• Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all of the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all of the learning outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Science at NQF Level 8, granting access to a master's qualification.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in a related field of study at NQF level 8, granting access to a master's qualification.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 and 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits

• Rural Development: Perspectives, Theories and Issues, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 160 Credits

• Integrated Sustainable Rural Development: Contemporary Issues, 30 Credits.
• Research Project, 90 Credits.
• Environmental Management, 20 Credits.
• Food Security, 20 Credits

Elective Module, Level 8, 20 Credits ( Select one module)

• Advanced Project Management, 20 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to engage critically with contemporary research and practices in sustainable rural development issues.
2. Solve an existing problem for an identified community, an integrated, sustainable rural development project.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the current thinking on the socio-economic and environmental frameworks directed at the eradication of poverty and hunger; the promotion of gender equality, and the empowerment of rural women.
4. Devise a suitable research project, plan and conduct the research, and assess. Evaluate and present the findings in a way that demonstrates the ability to integrate the theoretical learning acquired within an authentic context. Devise a suitable research project, plan and conduct the research, and assess, evaluate and present the findings in a way that demonstrates the ability to integrate the theoretical learning acquired within an authentic context. As part of these outcomes, learners should also demonstrate the ability to reflect on their research at an advanced level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate contemporary research and practices.
• Analyse theories and concepts related to the development of an integrated, sustainable rural development approach.
• Present academic arguments and responses clearly, whether in writing or speech, for different audiences, as required.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and analyse critical issues and concepts related to the development of an integrated, sustainable rural development project.
• Evaluate and apply different theories and approaches to rural development at an advanced level so that the integration of the knowledge acquired is adequately demonstrated.
• Debate cases and issues of integrated rural development at an advanced level making appropriate use of relevant terminologies and policies relating to rural development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critique and analyse existing policy and legislation impacting integrated, sustainable rural development.
• Analyse and apply different policies to relevant contexts in meaningful ways.
• Understand the policy relating to integrated rural and sustainable development. The difficulty forms the perspective of gender equity and advancement.
• Apply the knowledge of coping strategies for dealing with food insecurity adequately and meaningfully.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Formulate a research objective and question within an authentic context.
• Apply methodological approaches to social research in an interdisciplinary context.
• Select and apply data collection techniques.
• Ability to accurately interpret research data.
• Defend and interpret the validity, reliability, trustworthiness, and rigour of the research project design.
• Record and report the researches findings appropriately.