Master of Commerce in Development Studies

Purpose

To equip the student with both theoretical and methodological grasp, to integrate theory and practice and to operationalise theory into a research programme. The student will be able to make a contribution to society, planning, policy management in government, Non-Governmental Organisations and the Private Sector.

Rationale

• The qualification is a multidisciplinary programme which takes students from other disciplines. This is in line with the University transdisciplinary programme of trying to promote learning across disciplinary boundaries.
• The student should be able to deal with development planning and policy formulation towards addressing social transformation in South Africa and Southern Africa. The department is part of the South African Development Studies Association (SADSA).
• Since Development Studies is a multidisciplinary study, the Department encourages and invites applications from students, public servants, development practitioners, social activists and others. Career opportunities after completion include the following, Educationists, Policy Makers, Diplomats, Trade Union Officials, Research Officers, Planners, Social Impact Assessors, Development consultants, Social, Civil and Human Right Activists, Employees of Government and Non-Governmental Organizations, Development Officers, and Rural extension officers.
• Full blown research, masters with research methodology seminars for new students. Mode of delivery includes constant face to face consultation with the supervisor, full communication through internet and face to face contact arranged for students outside the country.
• It exposes academics and students to be enriched with scholarly and practical experience and outcomes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Special admission to the programme may be given, subject to the approval of the Head of Department (HOD), and consistent with the University of Fort Hare RPL Policy, to students who possess an Honours Degree in the relevant areas but do not meet the admission requirements specified. Where necessary the department will use faculty policy.

Entry Requirements

Honours Degree in appropriate field.

Mode of delivery is Research only.

Exit Level Outcome 1

• Student should be able to apply the conceptual and theoretical aspects of the development complex and to make pragmatic interventions.
• Student should be able to translate or to operationalise theory into a research programme.
• Student should be able to translate policy into programmes and projects.
• Student should be able to contribute to the decision making process in policy making related to planning and policy formulation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Seminar presentations, group discussions and debates including written research proposals which are used to assess mastery of the theory and conceptual clarity.
• Research competence and analytical skills are assessed from the dissertation and the use of case Studies.
• Presentation at higher degrees committee and department (internal) and externalisation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative - At department level there are methodology seminar presentations, group discussions and debates including written research proposals which are used to assess mastery of the theory and conceptual clarity. Research competence and analytical skills are assessed from the dissertation and the use of case Studies. The student then defend their proposals before SPMD committee working with supervisors.

Summative - external moderations of the dissertations.