Master of Arts in Urban Studies

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to discuss, analyse and apply the theory and methodology of Urban Studies and to be participate in current debates in Urban Studies at an advanced level. He/she will be able to apply this knowledge to issues pertinent to the field of Urban Studies in the Southern African region. In addition, a qualifying learner will be able to plan, design, and execute research in an authentic context, using appropriate methodology, and report on research findings. He/she will be able to understand, interpret, analyse and present research data and critically evaluate research designs employed in social science research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All potential learner who do not meet the formal entry requirements need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning which should give them access to the qualification, need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Sociology for Recognition of Prior Learning.

A potential learner who wants to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, needs to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Sociology, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules he/she want to be credited for, as well as the basis on which he/she 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 Arts Honours in Urban Studies, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development, NQF Level 8.

1. Critically and creatively, describe and apply different theoretical models and constructs in Urban Studies to specific social problems in authentic South African contexts, at an advanced level; to reflect on their own problem-solving skills process;
2. Work in an interdisciplinary group and reflect on their own participation in groups;
3. Accept responsibility for their own learning in terms of time-management and quality of work at an advanced level; work independently;
4. Design, plan, and execute a research task based on a theoretical framework within an authentic context; reflect on their own research; report on research findings; and to do this at an advanced level;
5. Engage with and critique in a constructive manner the ideas of their peers and others;
6. Use science and technology, effectively and critically, based on a theoretical framework at and advanced level, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others, reflecting on this process;
7. Provide innovative solutions to specific social problems in the Southern African region by taking race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multi-culturalism into account;
8. Search for and access appropriate resources employing a range of learning strategies and technologies within the field of Urban Studies at an advanced level;
9. Develop a responsibility towards other members of society;
10. Display cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to people from different cultures, based on theoretical knowledge; reflect on this process;

11.Develop employment-seeking skills within the field of Urban Studies;

1. Explore entrepreneurial possibilities within the field of Urban Studies.

1. Is able to provide an in-depth discussion and critique of theoretical models in the field of Urban Studies; is able to apply theoretical constructs and models in authentic Southern African contexts at an advanced level; and has the ability to reflect on his/her own problem-solving process;
2. Interacts well with his/her peers; contributes positively towards an end product in a in an interdisciplinary team context; contributes to class and/or seminar discussions; able to present seminars; and has the ability to reflect on his/her own participation in groups;
3. Has the ability to take responsibility for his/her own learning through time management as well as ensuring that the quality of his/her work is of an acceptable standard at an advanced level; and is able to work independently;
4. Can formulate a research question within an authentic context; can distinguish between different methodological approaches to social research; is able to select a methodology appropriate to a specific research question; is able to use an innovative methodological approach to answer a research question; selects and uses appropriate data-collection techniques; interprets research data accurately; can discuss the importance of and uphold high ethical standards in conducting research; recognizes the limitations of his/her research design, addresses validity and reliability concerns raised by the research design and is able to defend the validity and reliability of the study; reports research findings accurately; writes the research report in an appropriate and transparent manner; makes a logical coherent argument and is able to present the research results to an academic audience at an advanced level;
5. Interacts well with his/her peers and others; critiques a research proposal or argument put forward by a peer in a logical and coherent manner; uses the appropriate register and displays cultural sensitivity in critiquing an argument put forward by someone else.
6. Is able to make a decision and support it by relevant theory and experience; is able to put together a bibliography in the appropriate style; can source material making use of a range of technologies; is able to use appropriate media when doing presentations; takes the environment and the health of others into account in this process; and critically reflects on arguments put forward by authors;
7. Develop innovative solutions to the challenges and problems facing the Southern African region; is able to apply theoretical knowledge to the Southern African region; at an advanced level; draws on his/her own experience; and takes race, ethnicity, political issues, gender and multi-culturalism into account in the process;
8. Is able to explore and reflect learning skills and strategies appropriate to the context of Urban Studies at an advanced level;
9. Shows responsibility towards other members of society;
10. Is able to display cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to people from different cultures; applies theoretical knowledge while doing this and able to reflect on this process;
11. Is able to develop employment-seeking skills within the field of Urban Studies;
12. Is able to identify and develop entrepreneurial opportunities in the field of Urban Studies.

Integrated Assessment

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

A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among others: short essays, oral presentations to a group of peers, and practical computer-based activities, personal interviews and practical projects. Opportunities for peer-assessment are included.

Summative Assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes include the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report.