Admission Requirements
- A degree in a related field with at least a 65% average in the relevant degree is required.
- Alternative Admission: Recognition of Prior Learning must have matric plus a two-year diploma with an average mark of 65% for all modules plus working experience of at least five years. They must further submit letters from two academic referees.
All Applicants will be subject to a selection procedure.
Modules
Students are required to complete four compulsory modules and two elective modules.
Compulsory Modules
- Economics for Development Studies (DVS722) – This module introduces students to key economic debates by engaging with the theoretical foundations of development economics and applying them to real-world challenges in developing countries. It emphasises the integration of theory with issues such as poverty eradication and welfare improvement. Topics include measuring economic growth and development, sustainable development and the environment–poverty nexus, labour markets and unemployment, as well as the measurement of poverty and inequality, and key macroeconomic policy tools such as fiscal and monetary policy.
- Theories of Social Transformation (DVS721) – This module centres on development theory, examining key perspectives such as Marxist, modernisation, and other social theories. It explores their historical evolution and contemporary relevance, with particular reference to South Africa. In addition, the course introduces core sociological concepts such as power, the state, and civil society to deepen understanding of these theoretical frameworks.
- Research Methodology (DVS749) – Research Methods is a compulsory module that introduces students to the principles and processes of social science research within development studies. It covers both qualitative and quantitative methods, academic writing, and key components such as theoretical frameworks and literature reviews. The module also guides students in developing a research proposal, preparing them for the Honours Research Paper (DVST 720) in the second semester.
- Research Paper (DVS 720) – In this module, students produce a mini-thesis based on independent desktop research under the guidance of a supervisor. Emphasis is placed on developing a well-structured, logical, and coherent piece of academic writing. Students are expected to work independently while engaging regularly with their supervisors for support and feedback.
Elective Modules
- Development management (DVS 724) – The module is designed to enable students to acquire management skills that can be used to promote development in a range of organizational contexts, including NGO’s, government agencies and private sector firms.
- Social Policy in Development (DVS 726) – This course examines Social Policy both as a welfarist approach toward poverty eradication, and as a political tool for the claiming of social rights. In the course, emphasis is placed on equipping students to critique the ideological and theoretical underpinnings of different Social Policy approaches and strategies. A critical review of real-life examples of Social Policy instruments that are found in developing countries in general and Southern Africa specifically will be analysed and discussed
- Urban and Regional Development (DVS 723) – This module introduces students to the theory and practice of contemporary urban and rural transformations. It investigates the political and economic factors that drive urbanization processes, and critically evaluates the implications of these processes for both urban and rural development in South Africa and other parts of the ‘Third World’.
- Migration and Development (DVS 750) – This is an elective module for inclusion into the in the field of development studies, consensus has emerged concerning the critical role of migration for social and economic development
- Community Development in Theory And Practice (DVS 725) – It provides an overview of community development theories, concepts, approaches and strategies.