Master of Social Sciences in Population Studies and Sustainable Development

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to deliver learners who are well able to undertake advanced research on complex academic and realistic problems within the discipline with the view to generating new scientific knowledge and/or develop policy options/workable solutions to socio-economic and political challenges and to report on them in a prescribed scientific, concise

and comprehensive format. With the knowledge acquired in this qualification, learners will be adequately equipped to enhance their careers with confidence and contribute to the development of the society and country in general.

Rationale

The rationale behind this Master's Degree is to equip students with in-depth disciplinary and research knowledge and skills that will enable them to do investigative research in issues relating to Population Studies and Sustainable Development and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge for the use of policymakers in the country. The qualification enables the learner to develop as a researcher in population studies and sustainable development and to conduct a research project successfully and thereby produce knowledge to the advantage of society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role are accepted. Recognition of Prior Learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at any institution, or informally by experience is an indispensable element in granting admission to the qualification or for the awarding of credits towards the qualification.

Recognising Prior Learning involves provable knowledge and learning that the learner obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level knowledge and skills required for the contemplated qualification (or modules therein) or status for which the learner is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. RPL takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the learner demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

• An Honours Degree in Population Studies and Sustainability, Level 8 or relevant qualification.

Or

• A cognate Bachelor's Degree in Population Studies and Sustainability, Level 8.

This qualification comprises of one compulsory module totalling 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable discipline-specific or inter-disciplinary research question that can be researched individually or within a group.
2. Design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

The Exit level Outcomes are assessed in an integrated way by applying the following Associated Assessment Criteria during the carrying out of the research, the writing of the dissertation and the presentation of the findings.

• The problem is realistic, relevant and well stated.
• The research is carried out ethically and responsibly.
• The findings are interpreted using up-to-date knowledge in the field.
• The research findings are scientifically reported and communicated in writing in accordance with academic protocols.
• The research findings and recommendations are presented with the aid of Information Technology (IT) to an audience of academic peers.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of a Master's dissertation initially takes place when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

Examination of the dissertation is done by at least two examiners all of whom are experts in the field and one of whom is external.