The new Department of Development Studies at the NMMU, building on its successes, enjoys national, regional and international recognition, based on its internal staff, its network of research associates and visiting scholars, the quality of its work and its commitment to applying its real world challenges. The DDS is home to approximately four contract researchers and project staff, twelve internal and associate faculty, a range of research associates and visiting professors, three support staff, and about 250 graduate-level students. The Department has a number of strategic alliances with regional and international universities and development organizations.

The Department also hosts a growing number of national and international, multi-partner research and development projects. Through a collaborative approach the aim/vision is to establish a world-class facility for advanced and innovative work in development.

The advanced postgraduate programmes in development studies are designed for students to combine academic potential with first-hand developing country experience.

The programmes encourage students to reflect upon and deepen their knowledge, innovation and practice through an inter-disciplinary perspective. The course has an applied approach. Students are provided with structured opportunities for study, dialogue, application and critical reflection. A wide range of teaching methods are employed to vary the learning experience. These include lectures and seminars, workshops, project-work in small groups and the use of videos. Supervision is offered in small groups and individually.

During the first year, students develop analytical capacity in advanced development theory and in contributing economic and social science discipline approaches including, economics, conflict management, politics, geography and sociology, by examining a wide range of current development issues and their contexts.

At the second-year Masters (MA) level each student is encouraged to develop their particular focus of interest with the assistance of supervisors. The preparation of guided research report or treatise serves as the main vehicle for developing these interests as well as being the key mode of assessment.

A number of students have registered for the Masters by dissertation and DPhil degree in the field of Development Studies. The Development Studies Department research areas encompass many of today’s most important challenges. These range from globalization, maritime development, diversity and identity, poverty alleviation, social capital, human security, peace and development, counter-trade and industrial development, HIV/AIDS and cross-cultural management.

OUTCOMES

Students will be equipped with:

• A practical, multi-skilled approach to development issues for careers in regional, national and international organizations as well as private and public sectors.
• An understanding of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to participation.
• Abilities of critical thinking, analysis and reflective practice, and personal development of values useful in pursing participatory approaches.

FOCUS AREAS

Development Policy

• Development Theory
• Project Management for Economic Development
• Black Economic Empowerment
• Data Analysis for Development
• Development and Peace
• Rural Development
• Organisational Transformation
• Development Economics
• International Finance
• Conflict Resolution & Management
• Research Methodology
• Geographical Information Systems
• Urban & Housing Studies
• Space states and Nations in Development
• Youth and the City

STRUCTURE

The Masters programme is offered in a block release semi-distance education format, over four semesters. Once per semester in late February and early August, students will meet on the NMMU South campus for two to three weeks of intensive tuition in the form of lectures, workshops, group discussion and personal consultations. Course notes, study guides and required reading will guide students through both the on-campus periods and the three months of self-study that follow.

Assessment during the first year is either by written term papers or continuous assessment. During the second year the option of a treatise serves as further evaluation. Students are also expected to reach a requirement level of competence in the analysis of quantitative data.

The MA by research and the DPhil can be either completed on a distance basis or on a residential basis. Registration may be either full time or par-time.

DURATION OF STUDY

A minimum of two years for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, one year for candidates with an Honours degree.

The MA by research (dissertation) takes a minimum of one year full time and a minimum of two year part-time.

The DPhil takes a minimum of two years full time and three part-time

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Masters course work Requirements:

Any recognised B-degree.

Masters course work or dissertation:

Candidates who already have an Honours degree may obtain accelerated access to the Master’s in one year. If their Honours degree is in a field unrelated to development that may be required to complete additional modules.

DPhil requirements:

Applicants are expected to hold a Master’s Degree or equivalent. It would also be to your advantage to include an article or paper demonstrating your ability to undertake research.

PROGRAMME

YEAR 1

Core Modules

Development Theory

Development Policy

Electives (Select four of the following)

Rural Development Practice

Advanced Transformation Management

Project Management for Economic Development

Conflict Management for Development Practitioners

Selected Issues in Economic Development Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in Africa

Data Analysis for Development

Urban Geography

Geographical Information Systems

YEAR 2

Core Modules

Applied Research Skills

Development Studies Treatise

or

Guided Research Report

Advanced Development Policy²

Advanced Development Theory³

Electives (Select from the following)

Development Economics: The Foundation

International Finance

Advanced Capita Selecta

Development, Conflict and Change⁴

Democratic Transitions and Economic Reconstruction

Advanced Rural Development

Political Geography: Space, States and Nations

Geographical Information System

Geographical Information Systems Development

Project

International Political Economy: Issues in the North-South Debate

Risk and Scenario Studies

Demographic and Population Geography

² Only for Students who did not complete Development Policy

³ Only for students who did not complete Development Theory

⁴ This module is an elective for the MPhil in Conflict Transformation and Management and may not be taken in conjunction with either Development Theory or Advanced Development Theory

Note that some modules may not be offered every year.

Please note that some of the modules offered are examinable and it is the students responsibility to enquire about these assessment before registration.

Appropriate modules may be selected from other programmes, in consultation with the programme manager.