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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118465  Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 07 - Human and Social Studies  General Social Science 
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  2021-11-18  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 the Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development is to develop a professional person equipped to pursue a career in sustainable and integrated rural development, able to deal with multiple views and different perspectives to arrive at practicable solutions in context. Drawing as it does from a variety of fields of studies, the diversity of learners in the classes will, ideally, ensure that the excellent academic learning context is enriched by the exposure to a variety of people, resulting in an integrated approach to sustainable rural development and entrepreneurship skills. This multi-disciplinary qualification is designed to provide employers with skilled individuals able to make evidence-led decisions, to plan and implement development qualifications and projects, and to provide leadership in respect of rural development policy and practice issues.

The qualification will provide learners with cutting edge knowledge in the field and, through the action research project, will respond directly to national development priorities, making a positive impact on the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of South African citizens in rural development settings. A focus on current trends in rural development and effective sustainable living will ensure that learners are encouraged to think critically providing unbiased analysis and information on the challenges, needs, and opportunities facing rural communities to promote innovative, collaborative and system-based approaches to rural development issues.
The qualification's uniqueness vests in its interdisciplinary and integration of knowledge to provide the skills needed to understand and resolve problems. The offering remains true to the nature and origins of Development Studies as an approach that is itself interdisciplinary and is committed to advancing societies.

Rationale:
The qualification fits into the international agenda for development, driven by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030. The Specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that inform this proposed qualification are Goal 1 - No Hunger, and Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. Against the backdrop of wanting to address these international goals, is the fact that the institution has developed a set of Research Niche Areas (RNA), one of which deals with sustainable integrated rural development. The inclusion of the notion of 'integrated development' is deliberate and speaks to a paradigm of development studies that have, since the 1980s, determined that meaningful development must not only be sustainable but also integrated, encompassing different fields of knowledge and practice as required.

The qualification aligns also with the community and the broader sustainable development sector. Relevant stakeholders at provincial and local levels have been consulted in its preparation, and there is consensus that the qualification will provide a unique training opportunity for learners and will benefit the community. This qualification is career-focused and is designed to produce learners with the technical, and research competencies, and critical intellectual abilities suited to the field of study.

Learners who will find the qualification invaluable could be drawn, inter alia, from the fields of rural and regional development and development planning, environmental planning and development, economic development, and public management and administration. Possible employers include Departments of Rural Development, local government, and agriculture, policy-making bodies, NGOs and NPOs; and businesses whose work impacts in the rural areas (financial institutions, commercial agriculture, mining, and so on). Finally, inter-governmental and international institutions, for example, United Nations development agencies, and other academic institutions.

The typical learner will have an express interest in rural development. The qualification will benefit society, the economy and the learner, through the provision of a set of skills that will enhance critical thinking and analytical ability, and will contribute to the eradication of poverty and the enhancement of the quality of life for all South Africans. The potential impact of the learners on the emerging economy is significant, and the qualification will be a useful addition to the nation's human resource capacity in the area of sustainable economic development. There can be no question that this remains a key focus area for Africa and Southern Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy acknowledges learning that takes place outside of formal institutions of learning. RPL may thus make it possible for one to either gain access to or earn credits towards this qualification.

RPL for Access:
Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL.
  • Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
    Or
  • Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
    Note: in instances where RPL is applied for access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning.

    RPL for credits:
    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to qualification may be awarded some or all of the credits towards the qualification.
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
    Or
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all of the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all of the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Social Science at NQF Level 8, granting access to a master's qualification.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in a related field of study at NQF level 8, granting access to a master's qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 and 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits:
  • Rural Development: Perspectives, Theories and Issues, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 160 Credits:
  • Integrated Sustainable Rural Development: Contemporary Issues, 30 Credits.
  • Research Project, 90 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 20 Credits.
  • Food Security, 20 Credits

    Elective Module, Level 8, 20 Credits ( Select one module)
  • Advanced Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to engage critically with contemporary research and practices in sustainable rural development issues.
    2. Solve an existing problem for an identified community, an integrated, sustainable rural development project.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the current thinking on the socio-economic and environmental frameworks directed at the eradication of poverty and hunger; the promotion of gender equality, and the empowerment of rural women.
    4. Devise a suitable research project, plan and conduct the research, and assess. Evaluate and present the findings in a way that demonstrates the ability to integrate the theoretical learning acquired within an authentic context. Devise a suitable research project, plan and conduct the research, and assess, evaluate and present the findings in a way that demonstrates the ability to integrate the theoretical learning acquired within an authentic context. As part of these outcomes, learners should also demonstrate the ability to reflect on their research at an advanced level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evaluate contemporary research and practices.
  • Analyse theories and concepts related to the development of an integrated, sustainable rural development approach.
  • Present academic arguments and responses clearly, whether in writing or speech, for different audiences, as required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and analyse critical issues and concepts related to the development of an integrated, sustainable rural development project.
  • Evaluate and apply different theories and approaches to rural development at an advanced level so that the integration of the knowledge acquired is adequately demonstrated.
  • Debate cases and issues of integrated rural development at an advanced level making appropriate use of relevant terminologies and policies relating to rural development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critique and analyse existing policy and legislation impacting integrated, sustainable rural development.
  • Analyse and apply different policies to relevant contexts in meaningful ways.
  • Understand the policy relating to integrated rural and sustainable development. The difficulty forms the perspective of gender equity and advancement.
  • Apply the knowledge of coping strategies for dealing with food insecurity adequately and meaningfully.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Formulate a research objective and question within an authentic context.
  • Apply methodological approaches to social research in an interdisciplinary context.
  • Select and apply data collection techniques.
  • Ability to accurately interpret research data.
  • Defend and interpret the validity, reliability, trustworthiness, and rigour of the research project design.
  • Record and report the researches findings appropriately. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Master of Arts in Sustainable Integrated Rural Development compares favourably with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Belgium
    Institution: Ghent University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Nutrition and Rural Development
    In the first year, learners are given in-depth knowledge of rural development related topics, which forms the common basis for the diverse backgrounds from which learners will come. Learners acquire knowledge, insights and skills and complete a practically oriented component enabling them to identify problems using appropriate research methods and techniques and to assess, plan, execute and evaluate interventions. The qualification is more science-based than social science-based, however, it too is interdisciplinary, and provides for learners from different undergraduate degrees to enter into master's level studies. The difference between the new qualification and the Master of Science and Nutrition and Rural Development is the total number of credits, the former carries 180 and the latter carries 120 credits.

    There is also a difference in terms of the modules offered. The qualification offered at Ghent University includes applied statistics, human nutrition, development economics (this module is offered in the new qualification ) scientific reading, writing and presentation skills (at UNIZULU, this is offered at 3rd-year Development Studies undergraduate studies), food chemistry, tropic food production, post-harvest handling, processing and preservation, nutrition disorders, functional foods, food and nutrition epidemiology, food and nutrition policies, sustainable food systems. All of the above-mentioned modules are part of the food security module in the proposed qualification. At Ghent, they also included major subjects such as community health promotion, food, nutrition and public health interventions, food safety and risk analysis as part of the offerings in this qualification. The other difference is the other additional modules they offer such as food marketing and consumer behaviour, agricultural and rural policy, EU Perspective, sociological perspectives in rural development, advanced marketing and agri-business management and applied rural economics research methods.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The University of Kent
    Qualification Title: Master's degree in Conservation and Rural Development
    The qualification explores the conservation-rural development debate and provides learners with practical tools to work in the interface between conservation and rural development. As in the above case, this too is a multi-disciplinary qualification, focusing on contemporary issues in development with a special focus on conservation. The major differences between the proposed qualification and the Master's in Conservation and Rural Development are some of the modules they offer. The University of Kent offers research skills for natural sciences, multi-disciplinary perspectives on conservation, research methods for social sciences, this is offered as a 3rd-year module in the new qualification, conservation and community development, and special topics in conservation.

    Most of these modules with a focus on conservation are offered in both institutions. The other module they offer which is population and evolutionary biology is similar to a module offered in BA (Development Studies), called population studies, however, evolutionary biology is most offered as an undergraduate module in anthropology. They also offer modules such as integrated species conservation and management, managing protected areas, and these modules are offered by both institutions. Other tourism-related modules include international wildlife trade, ecotourism and rural development field, the economics of biodiversity conservation, leadership skills for conservation managers. There is also a module which is offered by geography departments such as principles of geographic information systems (GIS). Most of these modules which are offered in other disciplines will serve as a background to the rural development focus of the course, and therefore there is no need to include such modules because sister disciplines are already offering them.

    Country: Germany
    Institution: Humboldt University
    Qualification Title: Master of Rural Development
    The Master of Rural Development trains professionals to contribute to solving socio-economic, natural resource and agricultural challenges in rural areas. The qualification is also multidisciplinary in its approach and provides for a comparative study. The qualification is designed to be flexible and to allow for the development of a wider perspective on rural development. Courses include applied rural economic research methods, rural development and agriculture, global south perspective; food marketing and consumer behaviour; and agricultural and rural policy.
    All the above qualifications provide articulation into a doctoral level qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Public Administration, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology, 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.