University of the Western Cape

Bachelor of Development Studies Honours

Human and Social Studies - Public Policy Politics and Democratic Citizenship

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose: The Honours Degree in Development Studies aims to:

  • Develop postgraduate level knowledge, discipline-specific skills, and applied competence in development studies for learners.
  • Provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful employment, and making a rewarding contribution to society.
  • Empower postgraduates to solve development problems both generally and in a focused manner.
  • Equip postgraduates with skills to effectively manage and allocate resources.
  • Enhance communication skills and enable postgraduates to contribute to socio-economic transformation in a responsible and ethical manner.

Rationale: The program aims to:

  • Generate a significant number of postgraduates in South Africa, particularly from disadvantaged communities.
  • Strengthen and diversify the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity.
  • Ensure that the leadership pool is enriched with individuals who can contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the country in a responsible and ethical manner.

Outcomes

  1. Display specialized scholastic and basic Development skills and research skills in a Development Discipline.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve Development problems in a systematic, critical and creative way.
  3. Acquire a specialised understanding of how to manage Development resources and processes.
  4. Communicate effectively, in oral and written modes, and to articulate and promote own ideas and interests.
  5. Understand and contribute to the socio-economic challenges of developing South Africa in an ethical and responsible manner.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Specialised Development skills and basic research skills displayed in a development or related discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Ability to identify, analyse and solve Development demonstrated in a systematic, critical and creative way.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Specialised understanding of how to manage Development resources and processes demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Ideas and interests articulated and promoted through effective Communication in oral and written modes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • In-depth understanding and contribution to the socio-economic challenges of developing South Africa demonstrated in an ethical and responsible manner.

Integrated Assessment:

  • The Faculty has adopted a Continuous Assessment System.
  • Assessment consists of a number of assessment events administered throughout the year.
  • A variety of assessment instruments are used (e.g., tests, essays, practical reports, project reports).

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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University of the Western Cape
University of the Western Cape
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Description
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1959, it is one of the leading universities in the country and is known for its commitment to social justice and transformation. UWC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, law, and health sciences. The university is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. UWC is also known for its diverse student body and inclusive campus environment.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.