Master of Social Science in Population Studies

Purpose

The qualification is designed to equip learners with the key concepts and applied skills for them to understand and participate in the processes of and structures of population and demographic analysis, policy formulation and implementation. In addition, it equips learners with specialised skills to analyse demographic data and compute demographic parameters in instances where data are of poor quality, which is often the case in most African countries. This qualification also provides learners with a number of applied skills (policy presentations, applied demographic techniques, research skills, and quantitative methods) to enable them to work in a variety of development oriented organisations such as state institutions, NGOs, and international development institutions.

Rationale

The research and quantitative skills equip learners with the skills to conduct and interpret research, which is focused on population issues and is policy directed. Such academic, vocational and skills based training is crucial in South Africa given the stress on population developmental issues in our society. These require initiatives in regard to new developmental policy formulation and implementation so that the multiplicity of social economic problems can be addressed and development goals attained.

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.

An applicant 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. An applicant 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

• Cognate Bachelor of Arts Honours or Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours, Level 8 or equivalent.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

• Demographic Methods II, 16 Credits.
• Fertility and Nuptiality 16 Credits.
• Migration and Urbanisation, 16 Credits.
• Population and Development 16 Credits.
• Population and Health, 16 Credits.
• Research Methods 2, 16 Credits.
• Short Dissertation: Development Studies, 96 Credits.

On completion of this qualification, learners should be able to demonstrate

1. An ability to undertake self-directed study.
2. An understanding of demographic and socio-economic processes which inform population and development policy.
3. An understanding of the stakeholders involved in the policy process.
4. A knowledge of current policy concerns and outcomes and their impact on social and economic development.
5. An ability to identify policy related issues and evaluate their importance.
6. An understanding of the social context in which development policies are constructed, and demonstrate a concern with enhancing the life chances of all persons.
7. An ability to present arguments and perspectives orally and in written form.
8. An understanding of the diversity of most contemporary societies and the causes of population dynamics between and within societies.
9. Ability to summarise and evaluate a substantial body of information.
10. An ability to engage with the concepts, philosophies and a multiplicity of approaches to population studies.
11. An ability to work both individually and as a member of a group.
12. Familiarity with information technology, and the ability to make use of the Internet in conducting research.
13. Ability to undertake and interpret demographic data analysis.
14. Competence in developing appropriate strategies and methods for population policy related research.
15. An ability to monitor the effectiveness of policy implementation in line with the goals of social development and reconstruction.
16. An ability to undertake concise and clear presentations in the field of population studies to non-academic practitioners and lay members of the public.
17. The capacity to 'sell' skills, knowledge and values to policy related bodies and institutions in both the public and private sector.
18. Ability to compile a report/dissertation, which indicates an ability to conduct independent research; illustrate originality and creativity; familiarity with the identified area of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Integrate information, make use of demographic techniques and interpret the results, conduct research.
• Contextualise policy processes and implementation.
• Understand what is needed for population development, with values consistent with social responsibility, economic development and the redress of disadvantage.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments are integral to the teaching and learning process and are systematically used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting, as well as for providing timely feedback to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Assessments are explicitly detailed in the module outline provided at the start of each module and are aligned with learning outcomes. Assessment pieces are all marked by a single assessor who is the person who teaches the module. All marks are captured by a dedicated administrator and are signed off by academics who check the administrators work. The form of assessment varies, including written submissions, oral presentations, tests and open and closed book exams. Each module has a combination of continuous assessment and a final major assessment piece.