M Phil Development Finance

 

The M Phil in Development Finance Programme is housed within the School of Economics Development and Tourism at the Nelson Mandela University.  The School comprises of three academic departments.  The Department of Economics, the Department of Development Studies and the Department of Tourism. 

 

 

The M Phil in Development Finance provides a broad unique platform for postgraduate research and training in the fields of development finance, in developing and transitional economies. It is especially designed to equip government employees at central, provincial and municipal levels as well as parastatal, NGO and private sector employees in development finance institutions with the knowledge, competencies and ethical value systems required in the field of development finance.

In addition it is designed for students to combine academic potential with first-hand developing country experience.

 

The M Phil in Development Finance encourages students to reflect upon and deepen their knowledge, innovation and practice through an inter-disciplinary perspective.  The course has an applied approach.  Students are provided with structured opportunities for study, dialogue, application and critical reflection.  A wide range of teaching methods are employed to vary the learning experience.  These include lectures and seminars, workshops, project-work in small groups and the use of videos. Supervision is offered in small groups and individually.

 

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).

 

Curriculum

 

 

Module Name

Semester

Code

Credit Value

Micro-enterprise Finance

01

EMF501

12

Project Finance

01

EPF501

 

12

Quantitative Methods in Development Finance

01

EQM501

12

Public Sector Finance

01

EPS501

12

Finance & Economic Growth

01

EEG501

12

Issues in Development Finance

02

EID501

12

Project Management

02

EPM501

12

International Finance for Development

02

EIF501

12

Monitoring & Evaluation

02

EME501

12

Local & Regional Finance

02

ELD501

12

Treatise

00

EMR501

60

 

 

 

 

Total credits per year

 

 

180

 

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

Applications close: 6th December

 

Contact information
Development Finance
development.finance@mandela.ac.za