University of KwaZulu-Natal

Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies

Human and Social Studies - People/Human Centred Development

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Development Studies

Purpose:

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.

Rationale:

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.

Outcomes

  1. Outline and evaluate major schools of thought that have responded to the nature of global inequality.
  2. Demonstrate a critical application of core theories, key debates, concepts and approaches to development.
  3. Acquire the main 'language' used in various strands of development studies such as economics, environment, civil society, democracy, among others.
  4. Undertake a small independent research project which will expose them to the process of research in development related themes.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Clarity of explanations and evaluations: Ensure that explanations and evaluations of global inequality and uneven development are clear and easy to understand.
  • Accuracy of descriptions of global inequality and uneven development: Provide accurate descriptions of global inequality and uneven development.
  • Analyse the effects of global inequality: Analyse and discuss the effects of global inequality in a detailed manner.
  • Clear and concise definitions of development: Provide clear and concise definitions of development to demonstrate understanding.
  • Complex explanations of the mechanisms of development: Offer complex explanations of the mechanisms of development to showcase a depth of understanding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Comprehensive and critical knowledge of theories, concepts, and approaches: Show a deep understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches related to development work.
  • Implications for development work: Understand and discuss the implications of these theories, concepts, and approaches for development work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Master competence in the language and accents of development studies: Demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language and terminology used in development studies and practice.
  • Analyse, review and evaluate case studies: Analyse, review, and evaluate case studies of historic and current trends, development policy, and implementation at local, national, and international levels.
  • Critically engage with development policy perspectives: Identify and critically engage with selected development policy perspectives and evaluate their impact on natural resource allocation changes.
  • Assess the roles of different actors in development: Evaluate the roles of various actors in development such as the state, civil society, international organisations, the private sector, and the environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Demonstrate mastery of research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies: Show proficiency in selecting appropriate research designs, methods, techniques, and technologies for the specific research problem.
  • Critical review of pertinent literature: Conduct a critical review of relevant literature to inform the research.
  • Understanding of research theory and practice: Display a clear understanding of relevant research theory and practice.
  • Research reports: Write research reports that critically and coherently describe theoretical arguments, research process, methodology, results, conclusions, and the significance of the study.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
Description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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.