Master of Social Science in Community and Development Studies

Purpose

The qualification provides advanced training in the field of Community and Development Studies and includes techniques of research, data analysis and scholarly presentation appropriate to Community and Development Studies. The qualification will enable learners to enhance knowledge and skills to address development challenges, and ultimately to contribute to community development practice in the public or private sector.

Rationale

This qualification offers learners with critical and cutting-edge analytical skills, that relate to development practice, and with simultaneous analysis and production of knowledge. It enables the learner to embark on academic research on community development policy and practice, and to acquire advanced skills in development intervention. The degree will equip the learner with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in a community and development field or for further independent research toward the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Community and Development Studies, and Social Transformation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

A learner who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A learner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A relevant Bachelor of Arts Honours in a cognate discipline, Level 8.
• A Bachelor of Social Science, Level 8 in a cognate discipline.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,176 Credits

• Sustainable Community Development, 16 Credits.
• Developmental Local Government, 32 Credits.
• Research Methods, 32 Credits.
• Short Dissertation: Community Development, 96 Credits.

Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Choose one)

• Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Community Economic Development, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the theory of community economic development within the framework of the sustainable livelihoods approach.
2. Undertake independent research on contemporary, cutting edge issues in the development field.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the ethical, professional and legal responsibilities involved in research and practice of community development.

• Demonstrate the development of excellent conceptual and analytical skills in their discussion of community development issues.
• Debate contemporary discourses and global issues relating to development in the broader context.
• Apply and interpret global theories realistically and effectively to the local context.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of how economic policies at national level are influenced by the global power issues and the ideological convictions of the political elites.
• Interpret and analyse processes and policies pertinent to community development in the context of the politics of knowledge production, including indigenous knowledge production.
• Apply advanced skills in designing and managing developmental projects while engaging local participation for sustainable development.
• Design, conduct and evaluate qualifications in the field of sustainable development.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessment strategies will be used throughout the qualification that would ensure that exit level and cross critical outcomes are met. Formative Assessments will constitute group presentations, written assignments, and term papers. The summative assessment will be the final examination which will comprise of case based scenarios, case studies, short answer questions and/or long essays.

For all modules except the research module, the class mark constitutes 50% and the examination 50% of the final mark. The class mark is made up of a number of assessments, typically at least one term paper/assignment and one test.

The Short Dissertation: Community Development will be assessed via appointment of examiners who will give independent marks and the College of Humanities process of adjudication prevails over finalisation of those marks.