Master of Philosophy in Sport for Development

Purpose

The qualification offers participants the opportunity to challenge and further develop their individual professional vision, to acquire more intimate knowledge about the use of sport as a tool for development, ranging from sport management to institutional and leadership issues and to get to know networks and key decision makers and key personalities from various backgrounds. Furthermore, the programme offers students and professionals in the field of sport, recreation, development building a unique opportunity to acquire an in depth training while retaining their current position.

The qualification with its strong developmental and cross-cultural emphasis, addresses most relevant issues in the field from a practice orientated perspective, and at the same time critically examines the potential role and use of sport as a local and global tool for youth and community development, conflict prevention and social transformation. The qualification aims at promoting an educational process which will generate greater awareness and understanding of the complexities of using sport as a vehicle for such developmental efforts.

Rationale

Sports development at and through institution is a key component in giving effect to our mission and is embedded in the institution's strategic plan. The development of our learners, most of who come from significantly disadvantaged backgrounds, is related to development of the communities they come from. This postgraduate qualification would be promoting sport as a powerful tool for development, peace health, wellbeing and social change combining the areas of sports and health sciences and community development. The qualification would be promoting the application of sport science to advance the physical, social and economic development and wellbeing of South African and African communities.

The qualification would be contributing to the understanding and advancement of sport as a tool for development in South Africa and Africa through high quality research, teaching, community engagement and new technologies. Sport has significant health, psycho-social and socio-economic benefits. However, these benefits are not fully understood or utilised. This course will provide participants with the theoretical and practical knowledge to understand and utilise the benefits associated with sport in a constructive manner.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution`s RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDA) to support their admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest Sport Development as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. Alternatively, the RPL criteria in terms of rule A.2 will apply.

Entry Requirements

Learners who apply should be in possession of one of the following

• Postgraduate Diploma.

Or

• Honours Degree or equivalent in Sport and Exercise Science or related fields.

This qualification comprises modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 9, 100 Credits

• Concepts and Trends in Sports for Development, 20 Credits.
• Applied Research Methods, 20 Credits.
• Mini-Thesis, 60 Credits.

Electives Modules at NQF Level 9, 80 Credits

Learners must choose four modules

• Sport, Peace and Social Transformation, 20 Credits.
• Socio-Economic Development, 20 Credits.
• Sport and Community Development, 20 Credits.
• Sport Ethics, 20 Credits.
• Gender and Sport, 20 Credits.

1. Apply a comprehensive and integrated knowledge of practices of sport and development.
2. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles, scope and theories of global and local trends in the field.
3. Demonstrate understanding of a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques including monitoring and evaluation techniques and an ability to select those appropriate for their own work in the field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Skills and knowledge for the practices of sport and development in communities are displayed.
• A specialised understanding of how to manage Sports and development resources and processes is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Independent evaluation of current Southern African and African sport development issues is undertaken.
• Initiatives including projects around sport and sport development as a tool for social change are undertaken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Specialised sports and development skills using appropriate research methodologies are identified and applied
• Appropriate monitoring and evaluation techniques are identified for the management of sport and development.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the Master of Philosophy qualification is done through formative and summative assessment methods per individual modules as part of the policy stipulation. These assessments include the following:

Formative assessment

• The scheme of work includes assignments, tests and presentations based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.

Summative assessment

• Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner`s ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Integrated summative assessment in the form of the dissertation will be completed to test the student's knowledge of the theoretical and general aspects in the respective field.

Integrated assessment

• All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.