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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy: Development Finance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88082  Master of Philosophy: Development Finance 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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:

The primary purpose of the Master of Philosophy: Development Finance is to provide advanced training in a field of study that is underdeveloped across the African continent. The aim is to establish a platform for sustainable development finance research. Specifically, the programme will produce a broad range of development finance experts for South Africa and the rest of Africa.

The programme provides a unique platform for postgraduate research and training in the field of development finance in developing and transitional economies. It is designed to equip government employees at central, provincial and municipal levels, as well as those involved with parastatal organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and private sector employees in development finance institutions, with the knowledge, competencies and ethical value systems required in the field of development finance.

Rationale:

The proposed Master of Philosophy: Development Finance is, by its definition, a community-inspired programme, designed to support financial, entrepreneurial and management programmes that will support emerging communities, governments, development finance institutions, Non-Government Organisations and some private sector institutions, across all the regions of Southern Africa, Africa and other parts of the world. In particular, the qualification will contribute to strengthening financial and economic development strategies for building a second economy in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Basic knowledge of the principles and concepts of research and statistical methods is assumed.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level, may be considered for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning. Such candidates may be required to broaden their knowledge base by enrolling for identified preliminary modules prior to or after admission, or parallel modules after admission.

Access to the Qualification:
  • A four-year Bachelor's or Honours Degree in Economics, Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or other finance-related Degrees or Postgraduate Diplomas at NQF Level 8.
  • Admission is subject to departmental selection criteria as determined by the Faculty Management Committee. Preference will be given to those candidates with proven work experience in the finance departments of development banking and non-banking finance institutions, government-linked development finance departments or other institutions such as municipalities and Non-Government Organisations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification has 180 Credits and all 11 modules are compulsory.

    The first ten modules have 12 Credits each, and the Dissertation has 60 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Micro-enterprise Finance.
  • Project Finance.
  • International Finance for Development.
  • Quantitative Methods in Development Finance.
  • Issues in Development Finance.
  • Project Management.
  • Finance and Economic Growth.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation.
  • Local and Regional Development.
  • Public Sector Finance.
  • Dissertation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge, insight and understanding of the principles, practices and procedures prevalent in infrastructural development, project finance, micro-enterprise and international finance for development.

    2. Critically analyse the theories, techniques and procedures for financial sector development, financial management and finance issues for development in a developing and emerging market context.

    3. Apply the techniques and procedures for financial sector development, financial management and finance issues for development in a professionally competent manner.

    4. Undertake independent research and present research findings in a form that can be disseminated effectively to users.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate and critique the most prevalent theories in the discipline, their fundamental concepts and principles, their use and application, are demonstrated.
  • Review the processes and procedures related to the discipline, and insight into their interaction.
  • Articulate the political dynamics that exist in the field of development finance in the public and private sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate the ability to evaluate current processes and methods of knowledge production.
  • Display a capacity to relate theory to practice.
  • Implement relevant analysis of strategies.
  • Design and implement strategies for the processing and management of information for purposes of review and insight.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Illustrate appropriate responses to external and internal forces affecting the development finance work environment.
  • Monitor systems in accordance with specific requirements to compile relevant information and evidence required to support the monitoring process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify the research problem, define and detail it in the research proposal.
  • Select and apply appropriate methods and techniques in the collection of data.
  • Conduct research responsibly and ethically.
  • Interpret data logically, reflecting clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and evaluating contradictory information.
  • Apply effective information technology in the production of the research report.
  • Apply correct language and numeracy skills in communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.
  • Draw conclusions based on inferences and interpretation of critical reviews of evidence from measurements and valid statistical analyses.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment is based on a mixture of short assignments during the semester, presentations and informal tests and progress checks during contact sessions. It is used to provide feedback to learners and lecturers in order to improve learning. There will be two formal assignments/projects/essays per module and one three-hour examination. The outcomes of formative assessment contribute to a cumulative class mark and as entry to summative assessment.

    Summative assessment takes the form of a three-hour examination in which learners are required to identify the key issues to be addressed in problems situated in the field of development finance, and solve such problems using critical and creative thinking. In both the assignment and examination they must also be able to communicate specialist knowledge and demonstrate effective practical findings relating to the broad field of development finance. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In terms of the required research component and theoretical knowledge, this qualification complies with international practice in terms of the requirements for a Master's Degree.

    In particular, the proposed Master of Philosophy in Development Finance Degree is comparable to similar programmes at the University of Manchester and Reading University in the United Kingdom. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any Master's Degree in Economics or related field at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates vertically with a Doctorate in Development Finance or related field at NQF Level 10. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    According to internal University requirements the moderation process will be as follows:

    Pre-assessment Moderation Phase:
  • The final assessment instrument, assessment tool and reporting instrument are presented to the moderator for the pre-moderation phase.
  • The moderator provides feedback in the form of a pre-assessment moderation report indicating changes needed and requesting clarification as required.
  • The assessor acts on the moderator's report and brings about the necessary changes.
  • The changed documents are presented for verification by the moderator.
  • The moderator confirms whether the documents are in order through a final consent form.

    Post-assessment Moderation Phase:
  • The assessment evidence (examination scripts/assignments/projects/portfolios) with the final assessment instrument, assessment tool and completed reporting instrument is sent to the moderator via the Examination Administration office.
  • The moderator moderates a random selection of the assessment evidences as selected by the moderator.
  • The moderator provides feedback in the form of a post-assessment moderation report, indicating changes in the assessments or the adjustment of marks and requesting clarification as required.
  • The assessor acts on the moderator's report and brings about the necessary changes.
  • The changed reporting instrument and the moderator's report are presented to the programme leader for verification.
  • The final reporting instrument and the moderator's report serve for approval. 
    		•

    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 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.