MA DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (COURSEWORK)
 
Masters of Arts in Development Studies (Qualification Code: 40525)
 
NQF Level 9: 180 credits
 
Purpose
 
The Master of Arts in Development Studies degree programme, offered by coursework and treatise, aims to develop intellectually independent development specialists with the ability to engage in sustainable socio–economic development practice and research activities, while maintaining ethical standards. Graduates will have acquired in-depth theoretical knowledge and insights to approach development issues from a variety of perspectives, demonstrating critical competencies and lifelong learning leading to successful careers as development practitioners in the public sector, NGOs, multi and bilateral agencies, embassies, as members of international trade missions and as consultants in educational and cultural exchanges, among others. Furthermore, graduates will be able to engage with and critique current theory and policy, and advance scholarship by conducting research in socio-economic reconstruction and development, disseminating findings and conclusions, thus making a significant contribution to the development of knowledge and professional practice in this field at an advanced level.
 
Admission requirements:
 
  • A cognate honours degree, postgraduate diploma, 480-credit bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification at NQF Exit Level 8, with all major modules passed with at least 60% or attained at an equivalent grade and level.
  • Included in the above will be a level appropriate externally examined and/or moderated research project, mini-dissertation or treatise of at least 8,000 to 10,000 words and a module in research methods/ methodology, each passed with at least 60% or attained at an equivalent grade and level. 
  • Candidates considered for admission on the strength of a qualification that does not include a module in research methods/methodology and a research project, mini-dissertation or treatise of at least 8,000 – 10,000 words will be required to complete and pass such additional modules at the appropriate level, each with at least 60% prior to acceptance for registration for the master’s degree.
  • Students in possession of a cognate Bachelor of Technology degree (BTech) may be admitted with the understanding that additional requirements as a condition for admission may be recommended by the HOD for approval by the RTIC of the relevant School within the Faculty. Such additional requirements may include, but are not limited to the following:
    • Register for and pass, with at least 60% or attain at an equivalent grade, an additional module or modules at the appropriate level;
    • Obtain a further 120-credit qualification at the appropriate level (e.g. a cognate postgraduate diploma or an honours degree).
    • Submit and orally defend a draft research proposal.

Conditions that apply

  1. Timeous application is required to allow for a thorough adjudication of applications.
  2. Upon application, candidates, who have not previously studied at Nelson Mandela University, will be required to submit an official, verified transcript of their academic record that, where applicable, includes the syllabus of each module passed in their preceding degree programme together with a copy of the research project, mini-dissertation or treatise.
  3. The acceptance of an application is subject to the availability of the implied supervisory capacity, both in terms of time and expertise.
  4. International students who have completed previous qualifications in a language other than English must submit proof of English language proficiency reflecting minimum adequate scores as follows:

v  IELTS:            6.5 minimum overall score with minimums of 6 in each section;

v  TOEFL:

  • Paper-based (PBT) – 580 minimum overall score with minimums of 53 in listening, 52  in reading and 59  in structure/written;
  • Computer-based (CBT): 237 minimum overall score with minimums of 19 in listening, 19 in reading and 25 in structure/written;
  • Internet-based (IBT): 92 minimum overall score with minimums of 18 in listening, 17 in reading, 22 in writing and 22 in speaking.

Duration of the programme

The programme of study shall extend over a minimum period of one year and a maximum period of four years (General Rule G4.2 applies).

 
Re-admission:
 
Candidates who have not completed the degree after four years of study must apply for readmission. Should such candidates be re-admitted, the retention of credits already obtained towards the degree shall be subject to departmental approval (Rule G3.7).
General Except as otherwise provided below, the degree of Master of Arts shall be awarded in accordance with the General Rules for Master's Degrees as published in the General Prospectus and the Postgraduate Research Policy.

CURRICULUM

Not all modules may necessarily be offered in a particular year, please consult the timetable for modules offered.

 

Module Name

Module Code

Presented

Credits

Assessment

NQF Level

Compulsory Modules:

 

 

 

 

 

Development Studies Treatise

DEV510

Year

80

Internal and External Examination - Treatise

9

Advanced Development Policy

DEV502

Semester 2

20

Exam

9

Advanced Development Theory

DEV501

Semester 1

20

Exam

9

Select three of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

Development Economics

ECD512

Semester 2

20

Exam

9

International Finance

DEV511

Semester 1

20

Exam

9

Democratic Transitions and Economic Reconstruction

DEV532

Semester 2

20

Exam

9

Political Geography: Space, State and Nations

    DEV542

Semester 2

    20

Exam

    9

Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Practitioners

    DEV522

Semester 1

    20

Exam

    9

Political Economy of Development

    DEV552

Semester 1

    20

Exam

    9

Social Movements, Social Change and Development

    DEV521

Semester 2

    20

Exam

    9

Total credits

  180

 

The MA Development Studies programme is offered on either a full-time or a part-time basis,

with compulsory three-week lecture blocks in each semester and examinations at the end of each semester. 

Applications close: 6th December

Please refer to the Application Procedure page and the link below for application details

http://www.mandela.ac.za/Apply/Admission/How-do-I-apply