Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Development Studies

Purpose

The qualification aims to produce qualified and experienced community development practitioners who are equipped to implement, manage and consult on social and economic development at the community, provincial and national level. They will also gain experience and knowledge in the setting-up, monitoring and evaluation of community based initiatives, as well as small business and micro-enterprises. The qualification introduces and enables learners to integrate theoretical knowledge into practice through the development of appropriate competencies required by community development professionals and workers. A predominant emphasis is the ethical, professional and legal responsibilities involved in the practice of community development.

Rationale

At the heart of community development practice is the commitment to social justice/human rights and ecological sustainability. The postgraduate diploma in community and development studies incorporates theory with practice to enhance facilitative, educational, representational and technical skills towards an overall integrated approach to community development. The qualification is intended for people who already work in the broad field of community development as development practitioners, trainers, managers and/or policy makers.

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

• Bachelor of Social Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 1, 96 Credits

• Independent study: Community development, 32 Credits.
• Principles of Community Development,32 Credits.
• Research Methods 1,16 Credits.
• Research Design 1, 16Credits.

Elective Modules, 32 Credits (Choose Two Modules)

• Advanced Community Economic Development, 16 Credits.
• Ethical Issues and Social Responsibility, 16 Credits.
• Major Issues in Community Development, 16 Credits.
• Power, Participation and Social Change, 19 Credits.
• Project management and sustainability, 16 Credits.

1. Apply needs assessment and participatory research methods.
2. Understand the conceptual tools and knowledge basis needed to understand research.
3. Translate theories and policies of development to community leadership.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation and policies applicable to community development practice.
5. Gain skills in working with community civil structures and government representatives to encourage and facilitate participatory capacity building in the community.
6. Apply knowledge and skills towards effective and sustainable project implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification will comprise of Integrated Assessment strategies. This requires the learner to bring in knowledge and skills from the workplace and broad field of community development. 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 tests, written assignments, class presentations and self-studies. 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, 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 assignment and one

Test. Some modules include group assignments as this gives learners an opportunity to develop Mentoring skills and in working collaboratively.