SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Development Studies Honours in Planning and Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111465	Bachelor of Development Studies Honours in Planning and Management
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		People/Human-Centred Development
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide candidates with knowledge, skills and expertise that would enable them to become social development researchers, planners and managers in the spheres of project development, community development, environmental sustainability as well as rural and urban development.

Qualifying learners attributes include:

Capacity for a high standard in-depth analysis, knowledge and understanding of the complex challenges associated with the manifestations of poverty & inequality, especially within rural contexts of developing countries.

To understand and analyse development policy as well as the planning and management approaches at "a high standard".

Ability to plan, implement and manage sustainable interventions (by state, private & civil society agencies) for addressing poverty and inequality in a participatory, coherent and integrated manner at "a high standard".

Ability to design, analyse, plan, implement and manage research/evidence-based community development projects that are environmentally sustainable at "a high standard".

Ability to conceptualise and propose feasible multidisciplinary research in social development planning & management at "a high standard".

Rationale:
The multidimensional challenges of poverty & inequality is a legacy that South Africa and other developing countries have to contend with. Development project implementation has permeated the multiple interventions by state, private and civil society agencies in most public sector and private sectors. The multiplicity of actors and actions for addressing poverty and inequality has entailed the involvement of communities in a holistic, integrated and coherent process of development. The institution has identified an increasing need for a high standard of knowledge, understanding, skills and expertise for the applications of multidisciplinary research-based interventions through development project design, analysis, planning, implementation and management within the broader contexts of the modern process of planning which integrates environmental considerations with development for sustainable poverty and inequality eradication. The national need to create jobs and sustainable livelihoods is a particular priority that is addressed through the provisioning of this qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies. Recognition of Prior Learning for this qualification is conducted in accordance with the RPL Policy of the Faculty of Management & Law.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Arts in Planning and Development, Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules and electives at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 116 Credits:

Research Methodology & Paper, 32 Credits.

Development Policy, Planning & Management, 20 Credits.

Rural Development Planning, 12 Credits.

Project Techniques, Planning & Management, 12 Credits.

Spatial Development Planning, 12 Credits.

Community Development Planning, 16 Credits.

Geospatial Technology for Development Planning, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules: Choose one module, 12 Credits:

Urban Development Planning, 12 Credits.

Environmental Planning & Management, 12 Credits.

Dynamics of Population Development, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in Development Studies.
2. Integrate multiple sources of knowledge in Development Studies pertaining to policy and management approaches.
3. Select and apply appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques in Development Studies.
4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address problems in Development Studies.
5. Produce and communicate information through accessing, processing and managing information.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analysis, knowledge and understand the complex challenges associated with the manifestations of poverty & inequality, especially within rural contexts of developing countries.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate understanding and make an analysis of development policy as well as the planning and management approaches at "a high standard".

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Plan, implement and manage sustainable interventions (by state, private & civil society agencies) for addressing poverty and inequality in a participatory, coherent and integrated manner at "a high standard".

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Design, analyse, plan, implement and manage research/evidence-based community development projects that are environmentally sustainable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Conceptualise and propose feasible multidisciplinary research in social development planning & management at "a high standard".

Integrated Assessment:
Learning and assessment across exit level outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which, are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to candidates and Summative Assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at exit level outcomes. Such assessments should assess the candidate's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. A 60:40 Formative/Summative assessment is in place.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification compares to other qualification internationally. The University of New Castle Australia offers a Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours) Degree, which examines globalisation processes from a variety of approaches, with a focus on urban and regional impacts, sustainable development and cultural diversity. It is a one year full-time (or equivalent part-time) qualification designed to allow learners to develop their interests and expertise. The qualification consists of advanced theory, higher-level learning and research and is considered to be a pathway into Research Higher Degree Study. Qualification courses include Geographies of Development, Criminal Law & Procedure, Rethinking Development, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law. The qualification has a strong research base in the field of Development Studies. On successful completion of the qualification learners will have: High-level theoretical and applied knowledge in development studies within an interdisciplinary base; Capacity for high-quality, original and independent research on issues of: international development; globalisation; sustainability; urban and regional change; and social citizenship; capacity for high-level analysis and management of processes of social change and transformation; Ability to apply knowledge in a variety of environmental, regional and cultural contexts; Cognisance of and empathy with the benefits of cultural diversity and environmental sustainability; Advanced written, oral and/or other communication skills.

The Kementerian Pendidikan University in Malaysia offers a four-year Honours qualification. The Development Planning and Management qualification is designed to equip learners with the principles, practices and techniques towards achieving the goals of sustainable development. This qualification adopts a multidisciplinary approach, which exposes learners to the studies of economy, sociology and physical environment. The significant aspects in the curriculum include exposing learners through various tools and technologies in development planning and management activities. These are fundamental dimensions to develop learners to be critical in analysing and offering solutions for the betterment of the society.

Learners are expected to:

Master the skills and knowledge in the field of development planning and management.

Master the technical skills including usage of technology in planning.

Acquire social skills and responsibility in presenting clear ideas especially in the field of physical and social development.

Acquire skills in critical and logical thinking as well as using scientific method in solving problem.

Proactive in exploring issues in society and able to work in-group.

Illustrate the ability to manage information and to engage in continuous knowledge delivery.

Master the skills in planning, project management and evaluation, and exploring opportunity in entrepreneurship.

Show professionalism and being ethical in carrying out tasks.

Universities in Zimbabwe, such as the Zimbabwe Open University, Lupane State University, and Great Zimbabwe University, similarly offer four-year qualifications leading to an honours exit in Development Studies.

The Australian National University offers a 12-month research-based honours qualification in Development Studies. Building on the Bachelor of Development Studies, it gives you high-level preparation for professional life or a Higher Degree by research through the development of an advanced knowledge of the research principles and methods and theoretical concepts of development studies, and through the design and implementation of a research project, typically a 20,000 word thesis, that leads to the development of new understandings or that provides solutions to complex problems learning Outcomes.

Upon successful completion, learners will be able to:

Pose a significant research question relating to Development Studies.

Investigate this question creatively, critically, ethically, and independently, including through sophisticated use of appropriate theory and methodology as appropriate to Development Studies, and place these investigations in the context of the relevant intellectual tradition.

Communicate their research and its findings through an appropriate medium.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Agriculture in Rural Development Planning, NQF Level 9.

Master of Science in Development Planning, NQF Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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