Master of Development Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Development Studies is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of new knowledge and use research to find solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges in the development arena. Since the qualification is the minimum for entry into academia, this qualification will assist in creating a pipeline of new academics in development studies.

The qualification will assist learners in being able to

• Reflect critically on theory and its application in the development arena.
• Deal with complex issues in development, both creatively and systematically.
• Make sound judgments using the data and information that they have collected.
• Communicate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing and solving problems.
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level and
• Continue to advance knowledge understanding and skills.

At the outset, learner and supervisor will agree on and jointly sign a Learning Agreement in which the expectations of both learner and supervisor will be made explicit. This Learning Agreement must meet the minimum standards set by the Policy but importantly allows for some flexibility to accommodate differing needs and contexts of the learner.

Rationale

The National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019) indicate that there are two types of RPL, being RPL for access and RPL for credit. The latter does not apply to this Master's by research since all 180 Credits are for the research thesis. However, the former is very much applicable and RPL will be used to provide an alternative route/s into the qualification.

The University has a policy in place that guides the use of RPL and this policy is as follows

• Learners seeking entrance to the Master of Development Studies, but do not hold an undergraduate qualification in that field may be admitted by RPL. However, they need to meet the RPL assessment criteria for postgraduate studies. In this case, access to the Postgraduate studies is given but without award of the primary qualification.
• Learners who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements (Level 8 qualification), will be assessed for entry based on RPL. Assessment will be fair, valid and reliable and applicants will be supported to prepare evidence of relevant prior learning. The focus of assessment will be on the achievement of Level 8 outcomes and in particular, those associated with the ability to undertake independent research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a policy in place that guides the use of RPL. Learners with a Level 8 qualification that is not in Development Studies but Degree in Sociology, will be considered for the Master's Degree based on their workplace-based experience. The RPL consideration may include an interview at which the learner will have the opportunity to demonstrate her/his relevant knowledge and skills.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Development Studies Honours, Level 8.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, 180 Credits

• Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Possess specialist and current knowledge of theory and practice of development studies and be able to engage critically with new ideas.
2. Evaluate and critique the processes of knowledge production and apply appropriate procedures or processes to address a research question.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate research methodologies to solve a complicated problem.
4. Use a range of specialised skills in the research process.
5. Understand ethics both in general as it affects the research process and in the particular case of their research.
6. Access, process, and manage complex data sets and use ICTs optimally to assist with this.
7. Use language appropriately when addressing different audiences and when writing for different audiences.
8. Understand systems and systems thinking.
9. Manage their learning, albeit in a supervised and supported environment.
10. Manage their research and take accountability for allocated resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in a particular area of development studies and engagement with and critique of current research, methodologies and practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify a research question and use a proper method of knowledge production to generate the required data to address the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Pose the question clearly and place it within relevant current theory and practice.
• Select appropriate research design for the problem in the research.
• Select the appropriate method or methods for the questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Explore the ethical implications of the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explore the ethical implications of the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Develop the ability to access, process and manage data using modern methods and appropriate statistical analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Present annual research seminars and talk to the community if the research is community-based.
• Produce academic writing that is appropriate for development studies, and that adheres to norms and standards.
• Use of current tools for communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Understand the system of the research project and how the system and its parts interact.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Develop the ability to manage their learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Develop an ability to manage their research project and take responsibility for any funding or other resources.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Presentations, discussions and oral questioning.

Summative Assessment

• Assessment of this qualification is summative with all 180 Credits based on the thesis.