Human and Social Studies - People/Human Centred Development
The purpose of the Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies is to provide a transition from a general undergraduate discipline into a postgraduate specialization in Development Studies. It builds on the learners' undergraduate training, typically in the Social Sciences, to focus analytical attention on development problems and solutions. The content addresses both theoretical and applied considerations.
In preparation for a possible Master's Degree or for employment as development practitioners, it will train learners to conduct independent research and to utilize development frameworks in understanding and addressing development problems.
The challenges of development define many of the central debates in South Africa. The post-apartheid government has implemented various development initiatives at different scales; however, South Africa remains one of the most unequal societies globally. The shortage of government and private sector capacity is often identified as a key limitation to the success of many development initiatives.
Another aspect is the treatment of development problems in separate departmental silos rather than as integrated development challenges. The field of development studies offers an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to the challenges of improving the material well-being of South Africans and Africans in general.
Given the urgent development needs of the country outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) or Vision 2030, the discipline of Development Studies aims to produce learners who can interpret, critique, and implement the focus areas of the NDP. Graduates will possess critically needed skills for various national and international public agencies, municipalities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research organizations, and other private sector employers.
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