Master of Philosophy in Development Policy and Practice

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to enhance the capabilities and applied research skills of a carefully selected group of South African and other African professionals with high leadership potential (and at least an Honours Degree or its equivalent), who are committed to a career in public service. To achieve this, the qualification aims to offer a structured and sustained learning opportunity, at the cutting edge of global knowledge and experience, with abundant opportunities for applied research, related to effective approaches and practices of public policy design and implementation in developing countries.

The majority of the selected learners will be concurrently employed in the public sector. The qualification will be structured to provide sustained opportunities to integrate learning, applied research and practice.

Rationale

South Africa and the rest of Africa are on the cusp of change. Improvements in governance and accountability, in economic policy and international economic circumstances have led to higher, more consistent and broader based growth than at any previous time in modern African history. The reforms completed so far have been through political will at the top and a few highly competent officials. Going forward, there is a need for a larger number and wider range of skilled officials and political leaders within the public service sector of these nations.

There is thus a significant need for specialised training for senior public servants. The qualification will be embedded in a rich array of modules including executive short courses and the development of a peer network of practitioners and researchers. The qualification aims to help make government service at the highest level an aspiration for the most able of each generation. It will seek to build pride amongst government leaders in South Africa and more broadly in Africa, and promote links between leaders in government and leaders in other fields such as science, business and the arts.

Formal tertiary training from an Honours Degree in a relevant field

• English language proficiency, both written and spoken.
• Computer Literacy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

It is assumed that learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification. In addition, through RPL learners may apply for credits for certain modules.

Recognition of Prior Learning is possible for purposes of both access and full or partial exemption from content. Admissions or exemptions through RPL are in accordance with institutional principles and may be in the form of qualifications from other countries, reports testimonials or work records.

Access to the Qualification

The minimum admission requirements will be

• A relevant Honours Degree.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Computer Literacy.

The academic components of these admission requirements are aligned with the institution's admission policy.

The qualification comprises six modules, including a minor-dissertation, totalling 180 Credits, all at NQF Level 9.

Modules

• Strategic Policy-Making for Development: Analysis and Practice, 25 Credits.
• Policy Implementation and the Regulation of Markets: Analysis and Practice, 25 Credits.
• Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness 1, 20 Credits.
• Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness 2, 10 Credits.
• Topics in Development Policy, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Electives (selected from other approved modules within the institution), 10 Credits.
• Minor Dissertation, 60 Credits.

The learner should be able to

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of issues, problems, ideas, discourses, processes, structures and trends pertaining to both policy and development, especially in relation to South Africa and comparable societies.
• Understand various models of public policy analysis and development.
• Comprehend different research methods, techniques and methodologies applicable to the fields of policy and development studies.
• Acquire a critical awareness and capacity for research to be able to investigate and understand issues, problems and trends in policy and development studies.
• Initiate independent and original research that can advance scholarship.
• Present research findings that meet appropriate academic and professional standards in policy and development studies.
• Demonstrate attributes to become a scholar: to inculcate a passion for learning and to appreciate the necessity for accuracy, honesty, fairness, generosity and integrity in the context of policy and development studies.
• Acquire an appreciation of the virtues of being an independent learner, as well as recognising the value of cooperating and collaborating with others in policy and development studies.
• Respond to the challenges of democracy and development in South Africa in relation to policy and development studies.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The learner is able to

• Identify and solve problems.
• Communicate effectively.
• Analyse, organise and evaluate information.
• Demonstrate and understand the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.

Assessment criteria are demonstrated fulfilment of the desired outcomes (above) met through successful completion of course-work modules (assessed through a range of methods including tests, assignments and formal examinations, in written reports and a supervised short research project demonstrating familiarity with appropriate research methods). The Assessment Criteria are applicable across the whole range of Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated fashion.

• Identify and understand at an advanced level the main trends, themes and debates within the field.
• Identify, debate and apply at an advanced level the main theoretical approaches developed in related knowledge areas.
• Apply relevant methodological approaches and key research techniques.
• Conduct advanced literature searches to inform reviews of specialised literature in the field.
• Prepare professional papers for peer review.
• Where relevant, apply cross-disciplinary knowledge to respond to practical problems facing societies in transition in Africa generally and South Africa in particular.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments will include written assignments and a minor dissertation. For some modules, there will also be a written examination. Assessment will include application of analytical policy skills to workplace challenges. This means that both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning.