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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Development Economics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115644  Master of Commerce in Development Economics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of Master of Commerce in Development Economics is to develop the applied competence of the learner on an advanced level in the mastering, developmental economic principles. This qualification will prepare learners to reflect on their own economic applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of economics as social sciences. Furthermore, to develop a theoretical and practical macro vision of Development Economics nationally and globally. An in-depth understanding of the marketplace will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment.

Rationale:
The Master of Commerce in Development Economics was designed to address the demand individuals with a theoretical and practical macro vision of Development Economics, nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological and political macro factors reflecting on the differences among countries, even countries within the same region. Macroeconomic issues such as poverty and equality political and economy of development, trade, industrial and competition policy will be addressed to prepare the learners for a career in these fields.

Mastering of the research process will enable learners to be prepared for the professional industry areas of labour markets, trade and industry economic development. The qualification emphasises competence, integrity, and application of ethics in a professional environment. The successful learner will gain a global and South African Macroeconomic development perspective as well as an in-depth understanding of the marketplace which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It acknowledges that all learning has value will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. RPL is managed according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purpose of this qualification as set out in the policy:
i. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
ii. Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty.
iii. RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements.
  • Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the institution.
  • Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
  • Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.
  • Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.
  • Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of CBE.
  • Is finally decided upon by the Dean's Committee.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics or Econometrics, NQF 8 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 9:
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of Information Management.
    2. Communicate with the different role players in the Development Economics.
    3. Organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Development Economics.
    4. Work effectively in self-directed teams.
    5. Plan and execute research in Development Economics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Present the relevant theoretical principles according to standards (problem solving skills).
  • Communicate the process of problem solving in the field of Development Economics clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Communicate effectively according to standards, orally and in writing with the different role players in the field of Information Management is effective.
  • Apply the theoretical principles of communication (oral/written) accurately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organise resources and opportunities in the field of Development Economics according to relevant theoretical aspects (entrepreneurship).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement the relevant theory of teamwork.
  • Discuss acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others thoroughly and clearly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Display relevant information, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on Information Management issues through oral and written work.
  • Use relevant theoretical research principles in the research.
  • Display appropriate theoretical principles towards cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the research.
  • Address responsible global citizenship, according to standards, towards the holistic application of management capabilities in business.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment: Seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations; progress reports.

    Summative assessment: Submission of the dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable with the following international institutions offering similar qualifications:

    The MSc Development Economics offered by the University of San Francisco in the United States of America, covers the following topics in the qualification content:
  • Economic Theory.
  • Microeconomics.
  • Mathematics.
  • Calculus; and
  • Statistics.

    The qualification builds on commonalities with international developments in economics towards creative outputs, inventive applications, minor overlap with the institution's qualification.

    The University of Birmingham in London, United Kingdom, offers the Master of Science in Development Economics. The qualification focuses on formal and technical analysis of international economies and Third World development. Development theory, policy and econometrics enhances analytic, technical and research skills to prepare the learner for a career in the industry.

    Similarity in that it is a research-based qualification which develops and deepens knowledge in the field of study with underlying broad understanding of sustainability and associated strategies. It differs from the institution's qualification in terms of local and continental context. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Development Studies, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.