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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Economics in Development Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86213  Bachelor of Economics in Development Economics 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the qualification is to train learners to play a dynamic role in those professions that have a bearing on economic policy and transformation. These might be people who would want to take up employment in government, but it could also include those who will work in NGOs around development issues or in those professions where critical perspectives on issues of economic transformation are crucial such as journalism or higher education. A secondary purpose would be to provide a set of learners who would be eligible to enter Postgraduate qualifications in areas such as Development Studies, Public Administration, as well as Economics itself. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria as stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learners' admission.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Bachelor of Economics: Development Economics, NQF Level 7, 480 Credits.

    Curriculum:
    Year 1:
  • Economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
  • Political Studies, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
  • English, 15/30 credits, NQF Level 5.
  • Economic History, 20 Credits, NQF Level 5.
  • Quantitative reasoning, 10 Credits, NQF Level 5.
  • Social development, 10 Credits, NQF Level 5.
  • Humanities, 15/30 Credits, NQF Level 5.

    Year 2:
  • Development Economics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • History, 30 credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Macroeconomics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Microeconomics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Public sector economics, 10, NQF Level 6.
  • Labour economics, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Social development, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Quantitative reasoning, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Political Studies, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Political studies, 10 Credits, NQF Level 6.

    Year 3:
  • Comparative economic systems, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Development Economics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Development Finance, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Econometrics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Macroeconomics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Quantitative reasoning, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Public sector economics, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.
  • Public Administration, 15 Credits, NQF Level 6.

    Year 4:
  • Development Economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
  • Econometrics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
  • Macroeconomics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.

    Electives (40 Credits from):
  • Resource economics, 20 Credits, NQF Level 7.
  • Gender and Development.
  • Theories of transformation.
  • Development Finance.
  • Health economics.
  • Demography, 10 credits, NQF Level 7.
  • Economics impact of HIV/Aids, 10 credits, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse important South African data sets.
    2. Understand the fundamentals of Economics.
    3. Understand the major economic challenges of developing countries.
    4. Evaluate the appropriateness of different development strategies.
    5. Use and critique econometric tools.
    6. Undertake research and present research findings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Display specialised scholastic and basic research skills in topics as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor.
  • Set and demonstrate assignments modelling and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. adequate level of relevant text comprehension.
  • Access, an adequate range of relevant sources.
  • Grasp relevant problems.
  • Present appropriate theoretical, practical assignments, case studies as well as solutions to problems.
  • Work in a team environment and to be able to manage a project in this context.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consist of a number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This is a unique qualification. However, the outcomes of the qualification are benchmarked according to standards associated with other four-year professional underlearner qualifications, for example: Bachelor of Arts in Development and Governance offered by Landegg International University in Switzerland. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.
  • Appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Cognate Master, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of the Western Cape 


    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.