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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Development Studies Research 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111846  Master of Development Studies Research 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  Public Policy, Politics and Democratic Citizenship 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
On completion of this qualification, a learner will be competent in understanding and debating important development related issues in order to design implement and evaluate development policies and development initiatives in a sustainable human-centred manner. Learners of the qualification will be able to interpret and execute applied development research and critically reflect on development policies.

Rationale:
The Centre for Development Support within the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at the institution is presenting an inter-disciplinary qualification with research supervisors from various departments and centres at the University and several other collaborating Universities. The Centre for Development Support has completed several rapid scan-assessments identifying a large demand for qualified development managers and development workers in the public, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and private sectors in Southern Africa. This training field is relatively untapped and a definite niche market exists to deepen the understanding of development issues amongst participants. The qualification definitely meets the expectations and needs of society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT), and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A relevant equivalent at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On successful completion of this qualification, learners should be able to:
    1. Formulate a title, table of contents, introduction, background and reason for the study, research problem, hypothesis, aim and objectives for the research, research methodology, keywords and concepts, chapter outline, timeframe, body of the proposal, conclusion and bibliography.
    2. The learner needs to show that he/she can do independent research within the field of development.
    3. Prepare at least one article for publication in an approved research journal before submitted for examining. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification design is aimed at creating a knowledgeable next generation of citizens that can take informed decisions that will lead to a sustainable development. Knowledge is therefore captured in research-based outcomes by focusing on the development of scientific skills and knowledge. In addition, the qualification also focuses on attitudes, as well as on the integration of all these concepts. It uses a summative assessment approach, with the focus on the scientific contribution towards the knowledge base in that area of expertise. Presentation of scientifically-based results forms the basis of the assessment approach, but can include other assessment opportunities, such as self- and peer-assessment. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master in Political Science, Level 9.
  • Master in Environmental Management, Level 9.
  • Master in Gender Studies, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor in Political Science, Level 10.
  • Doctor in Environmental Management, Level 10.
  • Doctor in Gender Studies, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.