Master of Philosophy in Development Finance
Rationale for the qualification
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Stellenbosch University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies
Subfield
Finance, Economics and Accounting
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Rationale for the qualification
The programme is designed
- to provide a coherent programme of study at postgraduate level, which will enhance the analytical capacities and skills of persons working in the field of development finance, financial management and regulation.
- To provide students with a thorough understanding of the special problems of finance in developing economies and with the skills to operate successfully and to make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation in this field.
- to provide the necessary talent-pool for work in the vital area of development finance which is very relevant for sustainable development in Africa and equip leaders and managers in the private, public and voluntary sectors with contextualised specialised knowledge about development finance.
4.To our knowledge, this is the first program of its kind in Africa that would combine microfinance, African stock markets development, venture capital, corporate governance, public finance and among others. The program is purposely designed to meet the needs of development financiers in Africa in the 21st Century.
Entry requirements and RPL
An appropriate four-year first Bachelor's degree, or an Honours degree.
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
See above
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
N/A
Exit level outcomes
After completing this programme, students of the MPhil (Development Finance) will
- Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of development finance concepts.
- Have the ability to apply this knowledge effectively within the public, private and NGOs sectors.
- Be able to demonstrate the ability to identify problems through critical thinking.
- Be able to demonstrate a commitment towards improving quality of life in the area of development finance in developing countries.
- Be able to conduct research at the advanced level in development finance.
A range of assessment methods will be used reflecting existing best practice. In addition to written examinations, students will be evaluated on the basis of coursework assignments, which, where possible, will be related to their work and other experiences. Case studies, individual and group assignments and oral presentations will also be included.
Participants must also complete a 20,000-25 000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice approved by the Programme Directors before the 12 month (for full-time students) or before the 24th month (for part-time/distance learning students). Deadline for completion of final dissertation will not be extended except under special circumstances. All written and oral presentations will be expected to be of an acceptable academic standard.
Associated assessment criteria
Integrated Assessment
The qualified learner must
a. Achieve a minimum of 50% in all components individually and must satisfactorily complete all written assignments, essays, exams, group and individual assignments and thesis.
b. Demonstrate ability to successfully integrate all theoretical and practical components in all assignments. This will be measured by the assessment marks scored by students mentioned in (a) above.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
On a horizontal level the degree interacts with the University of Stellenbosch Business School's MBA, which places more of an emphasis on management skills in general, as well as other MBA programmes in finance, economics and accounting. As the admission requirements are an appropriate Bachelors degree in business, finance, economics or accounting, a vertical relationship exists with all the relevant undergraduate degrees. On completion of the MPhil, students will be able to continue with a PhD if they wish to do so.
International comparability
The Africa Centre for Investment Analysis (ACIA), which will run the program, has been operating since 1998 as a research and training Centre of the University of Stellenbosch Graduate School of Business. The Centre is part of the Business School. The Business School has been providing postgraduate qualifications since 1964.
The School is among the four top Schools in South Africa and accredited by the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) of the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). The School is the first and one of only two business schools in Africa that has been accredited by this international organisation and thus satisfies their extremely high standards in management education and expertise.
Experiences
For the last three years, the Centre has been offering short courses in advanced and development finance. Courses offered include microfinance, small business development, African country risk analysis, quantitative analysis, venture capital, portfolio management, fixed interest securities, international finance. Courses are presented at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The Centre has also undertaken several major projects. The most current being the Review of Tax Holiday Scheme for DTI and Department of Finance and Review of the South African government's small business strategy for Ford Foundation.
The University of Stellenbosch subscribes to an extensive collection of journals in finance. The Business School alone edits four journals These are, the African Finance Journal, Investment Analyst Journal, SEE, and South African Journal of Business Management. Both the University of Stellenbosch and the Graduate School have excellent libraries with comprehensive electronic and computing network resources. Both libraries are comparable internationally. A learning resource centre and computer laboratory equipped with the latest technology is available on campus.A similar post-graduate degree (MPhil in Futures Studies) has been running since 1998. Approximately 20 students have graduated thus far.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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