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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Development Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99025  Bachelor of Development Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 Bachelor of Development Studies is an inter-disciplinary undergraduate qualification which seeks to provide learners with a foundation in Development and Economics. The qualification aims to provide learners with a sound theoretical grounding in the principles and practices of economic development as it pertains to policy, research of policy and implementation of policy in a development context.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Commerce in Development Studies responds to the needs of government and the private sector for competent specialists to be able to conduct research, write, implement, understand and communicate policy initiatives towards economic growth and development. The impact of new policies and legislation in South Africa are far-reaching and assumed to be understood or accepted by all levels of South African society. Within the local government context it is imperative that municipalities are enabled to review their policies and policy-making processes affecting development activities, and work in consultation with industry and other interested parties to achieve sustainable development practices. Furthermore, it is vital to secure sustainable industry through sustained ecological development in consultation with stakeholders and by developing and applying consistent legislation. For this to be successful we need to ensure that we have the necessary skills available and these will be central to the Bachelor of Development Studies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria may apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures.

Entry Requirements:
There are three access routes into the qualification:
  • Learners with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry into Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Learners with a Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • Learners who are in possession of a recognised certificate or Diploma in the relevant field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Rules of Combination:
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 and elective modules at NQF Levels 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, at NQF Level 5, 18 Credits:
  • Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Sociology an introduction, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 6, 216 Credits:
  • Introduction to Micro Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Economic History A, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Development Studies AND, 10 Credits.
  • Development Issues in Contemporary Africa, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Organisational Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Empire, Capital and Development, 10 Credits.
  • Development Communication, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Macro Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Economic History B, 10 Credits.
  • Groups and Organisations, 6 Credits.
  • Social Structure and Change, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to Organisational Behaviour, 12 Credits.
  • Macro Economics, 14 Credits.
  • Project Appraisal, 10 Credits.
  • Contemporary Development Theories, 12 Credits.
  • Development Planning, 12 Credits.
  • Microeconomics, 14 Credits.
  • Demography and Population Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Global Development Studies, 12 Credits.
  • EIA and Land Planning for Development, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 7, 45 Credits.
  • Development Policy, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methods for Development, 15 Credits.
  • Case Studies in Developing and Transitional Countries, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, at NQF Level 6:
  • Social and Environmental Issues, 10 Credits.
  • Group Dynamics, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management: Procurement, 12 Credits.
  • Labour Relations, 12 Credits.
  • Contemporary Labour Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Women in Africa, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management: Development, 12 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management: Reward Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Workplace Negotiations and Dispute, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, at NQF Level 7:
  • Public Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Economics and Financial Markets, 10 Credits.
  • Labour Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Managerial Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Econometrics, 10 Credits.
  • Development Economics, 10 Credits.
  • International Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Economic and Development Ethics, 10 Credits.
  • Security, Peace and Reconstruction, 15 Credits.
  • Political Economy of Development, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of the complexities of policy theory as it applies to the principles and practices of economic development as well as the roles played by different stakeholders and drivers of policy development and implementation.
    2. Design and implement appropriate research projects, apply relevant research methods and present reports in appropriate format in a development context.
    3. Measure the performance of different areas, countries and institutions in terms of economic development by applying appropriate criteria. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Knowledge, insight and understanding of the principles, practices and procedures prevalent in infrastructural development, project finance, micro-enterprise and international finance for development is applied.
  • Knowledge to address contemporary social issues is applied.
  • An appreciation of the interdisciplinary context of the development in individuals and in societies is shown; as well the connection between individual and society and between structure and agency is understood.
  • Specialist in-depth understanding of development issues is developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A clear understanding of the concepts of methods of analysis is applied.
  • Appropriate research projects are designed and implemented, relevant research methods are applied and reports are presented in an appropriate format.
  • Information on key issues in Third World Development is collected, analysed and interpreted and reasoned, evidenced argument is constructed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A multi-disciplinary understanding of the changing trends in development thinking with an in depth knowledge of evolving theoretical, conceptual and policy debates is acquired.
  • Knowledge, to work in cultures other than their own and within a multicultural environment is applied.
  • The performance of different areas, countries and institutions in terms of economic development are presented by applying appropriate criteria.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its content and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical approach. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

    Regular assessments of holistic knowledge skills and attributes of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments, case studies and a formal written examination. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes.

    In each module, assignments will be done where learners will have to prove they have mastered the ability to understand, integrate and apply the theory learnt in the module in practice using suitable case studies. The learners' insight in integrating and applying knowledge in practical situations will be assessed through such case studies and assignments. The case studies and assignments will be constructed in such a manner that assessment moves gradually from the formative to the summative. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    At Lund University in Sweden the interdisciplinary Bachelor's qualification is offered in Development Studies. This qualification focuses on economic, social and political processes linked to development cooperation. Learners will be able to critically examine global and local preconditions and processes of development.

    The scientific traditions from four disciplines are combined in the study plan: Sociology, Political Science, Human Geography and Economic History. Learners will acquire a multi-disciplinary perspective on development studies and an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in any of these four subjects.

    At the University of Melbourne in Australia the Development Studies qualification is concerned with processes of social, economic, political and cultural change. This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to critically examine processes of managed change in the developing world. Also it provides learners with a skills set to intervene in such processes. Thus learners will better understand the nature of policies and relationships at domestic, national and international levels, and how these policies and relationships have shaped poverty, inequality and insecurity in the contemporary world. Learners will examine themes such as debt and global poverty, environmental sustainability, the relationship between citizens and the state, culture and human rights, globalisation, national sovereignty, gender inequity, social exclusion, health, and migration.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above cited international qualifications in terms of the competences that learners will develop and focus areas the qualifications offer. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers no specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of Mpumalanga.

    However, it offers systemic articulation with the following qualification offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Management at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Development Studies at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Economics at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Rural Development at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.