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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Community Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120844  Master of Community Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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 07 - Human and Social Studies  People/Human-Centred Development 
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
Registered  EXCO 0816/23  2023-05-30  2026-05-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-05-30   2030-05-30  

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 Master of Community Development offers advanced training in community development education through coursework, practice, and a mini dissertation. Graduates from the qualification will contribute to the practice, evolution and application of community development knowledge while maintaining a highly collaborative and ethical relationship with their practice communities. By providing an interdisciplinary, multi-contextual, and theoretical conceptualisation of community development knowledge and practice, the qualification aims to contribute to the transformation of the community development occupation as legislated in South Africa. The dissemination of learner findings to various audiences will positively influence knowledge development and professional practice across South Africa and beyond.

On the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Identify and critique approaches, theoretical discourses and policies on community development practices and thinking through advanced research and practice.
  • Analyse and apply community development theories, methods and processes to multiple practice settings and communities.
  • Connect local community development contexts to global development patterns and strategies within a social justice framework.
  • Apply community-based research methods and communicate findings to different audiences.
  • Provide ethical leadership to organizations in the planning and implementation of public participation and interprofessional collaborations addressing local communities.
  • Demonstrate concrete skills in conflict management, mediation, and resolution in a community development context.

    Rationale:
    The Social Development Sector is currently undergoing a process of professionalisation which will be legislated in the revised Social Services Practitioners Bill (SSP) that has since been returned from public comment. The professionalisation of community development in South Africa, therefore, necessitates an urgent need for a cohort of highly trained community development specialists for the public, civic, and private sectors. The qualification will equip community development practitioners with advanced knowledge in the field. This is critical to provide a knowledge and mentorship stream to an emerging profession.

    At the heart of community development practice is the commitment to social justice/human rights and ecological sustainability. This requires a specialized practitioner, knowledgeable in collective and holistic community development approaches. The qualification enhances the identity of an emerging profession among a plethora of social service qualifications. By deepening the study and practice of methods, approaches and theories of community development, the qualification capacitates practitioners to collaboratively co-develop with their community's transformative praxis on emergent community development issues. The qualification will mitigate the negative implications of poverty, underdevelopment and economic malaise on the evolution and function of sustainable communities in South Africa.

    The qualification is designed to strengthen the professional and ethical development of candidates in their pursuit of addressing societal challenges and deepen their learning of community development and commitment to the communities they serve. Additionally, the Department of Social Development and the South African Council for Social Services Professions (SACSSP), who are key stakeholders and employers overseeing the social services professions, have given their strategic support for this qualification.

    The qualification infuses advanced community development theories and participatory methods with the lived realities of communities in South Africa and across the globe. The qualification aims to enrol learners who are working professionals in the community development sector both in and outside of South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Community Development, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Community and Development Studies, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science Honours in Community Resources, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A relevant Bachelor of Arts Honours in a cognate discipline, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Social Science in a cognate discipline, NQF Level 8
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Community Studies, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Community and Development Studies, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 09 totalling 188 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 172 Credits:
  • Advanced Community-Based Research, 32 Credits.
  • Community Development Philosophy and Theory, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable Communities: Theory, Method, and Case, 16 Credits.
  • Community Development Practice, Approaches and Processes, 24 Credits.
  • Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.
  • Conflict Resolution and Community Development, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 16 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Social Policy in Community Development, 16 Credits.
  • Development Communication in an African Context, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in a particular field, discipline, or practice.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate current processes of knowledge production, and to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
    3. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline, or practice; and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
    6. Demonstrate an ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in specialised contexts to develop
    creative responses to problems and issues.
    7. Demonstrate an ability to present and communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
    8. Demonstrate an ability to operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
    9. Demonstrate an ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs.
    10. Demonstrate an ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply community development theories, methods, and processes to multiple practice settings and communities to facilitate social change.
  • Evaluate and apply the community development philosophical approaches and theories from a variety of perspectives demonstrating an in-depth, critical engagement with relevant ideas and concepts.
  • Critically evaluate and apply the community development theories within their socio-economic, political, cultural, and geographic contexts and other contexts.
  • Articulate the community development theories both verbally and in writing in a professional, accurate and coherent manner, according to post-graduate conventions using appropriate conceptual frameworks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage critically with current debates and ideas on a range of contemporary social issues.
  • Debate the construction of community development knowledge and theories.
  • Identify what the political, ideological, social, and cultural factors are that impact theory and how theory is critiqued.
  • Critique discursive knowledge, statements, conceptual frameworks, models, paradigms, and epistemology in the social and human sciences.
  • Debate contemporary discourses and global issues relating to community development in the broader context.
  • Apply a variety of research approaches and methodologies and appropriate research procedures, techniques, and instruments in a community-based context.
  • Interpret and analyse processes and policies pertinent to community development in the context of the politics of knowledge production, including indigenous knowledge production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply sound social science research methodology to community development-related situations, conducting in-depth research, analysis, and interpretation in a community-based context.
  • In co-operation with the community, explore, reflect on, and apply a variety of community development strategies on facilitation, empowerment, and management within a human developmental environment.
  • Analyse and interpret the legislation, policies, and international conventions for application and/or compliance in a specific context.
  • Formulate the processes, legislation, and policies for community involvement in community programmes and/or projects.
  • Analyse the social policies relevant to community development in terms of the inter-relationship between the policies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and analyse poverty and developmental problems, and manage projects to address poverty and developmental problems, by considering the White Paper on Social Welfare and the political and socio-economic influences in South Africa.
  • Analyse, synthesise, evaluate, and review complex community development-related information to conceptualise a problem and produce an evidence-based argument or solution to a community development situation.
  • Apply concrete skills in conflict management, mediation, and resolution in a community development context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Provide ethical leadership to organizations in the planning and implementation of public participation and interprofessional collaborations addressing local communities.
  • Conduct a community analysis, using different frameworks, to design a social development programme based on the analysis, to develop an implementation, monitoring, and evaluation plan, demonstrating an awareness of the value and ethical issues.
  • Develop, facilitate, evaluate, and adjust appropriate actions to alleviate ethical, social, and economic problems.
  • Introduce and apply the principles of social research ethics within the context of a community research project.
  • Explain the process necessary to obtain ethical clearance for a research study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Collect, analyse, organize, and critically evaluate information gathered on poverty, developmental problems, and inequalities, based on a relevant theoretical framework.
  • Collect, analyse, and synthesise data and textual Information gathered via research conducted in a community-based context.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in standards of evaluation and validation in qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Conduct research independently under the supervisor's guidance.
  • Make use of various sources critically and integrate these into a research report.
  • Write a research proposal and minor dissertation.
  • Produce a scientifically sound/accurate, logical, and coherently argued research paper and present it according to appropriate academic standards in a community setting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply community-based research methods and communicate findings to different audiences.
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately with individuals, groups and organizations in communities using visual, language, group work and mass media skills in oral or written formats.
  • Communicate the information both verbally and in writing to a range of audiences and stakeholders about community development-related issues in specific contexts.
  • Discuss limitations and recommendations for future study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Connect local community development contexts to global development patterns and strategies within a social justice framework.
  • Apply knowledge of the interdependent relationships between individuals, families, groups/organisations to facilitate processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify relevant areas for professional development.
  • Develop a self-directed programme for skills development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team and facilitate, co-ordinate and empower teams to become effective, sustainable community-based organizations, based on a relevant theoretical framework.
  • Function effectively with others as members of a multi-disciplinary team when facilitating the process and technology of helping individuals, groups, organizations, and communities.
  • Use the resources of academic and professional discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for one's work, and, where appropriate, account for leading and initiating processes and implementing systems, ensuring good resource management when conducting the research.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions both within and across modules to achieve competence. In this qualification, learner assessment will be formative and summative.

    Formative Assessment:
    The qualification will use a series of innovative assessment approaches based on a combination of tests where information is analysed and applied; written assignments; oral presentations and practical presentations as formative assessments.

    Summative Assessment:
    The qualification will also use a summative assessment to measure and evaluate the learners' ability to integrate theoretical and practical competencies required in the various modules.

    Mini Dissertation:
  • This refers to the dissertation required in part-fulfilment of the requirements of a Master's by coursework and Mini-Dissertation as described in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).
  • The Mini-Dissertation is an integrated assessment at the level of qualification that provides an opportunity for the learner to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.
  • The purpose of the dissertation is to show that the learner can carry out supervised research, has a grasp of the research tools in the chosen field and is familiar with the more important publications on the subject.
  • It should also demonstrate that the learner can communicate results and evaluate his or her own work and that of others critically. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

    Country: Kenya
    Institution: Kenyatta University
    Qualification Title: Master of Arts in Community Development
    NQF Level: Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF) Level 09
    Credits: 240
    Duration: Two years full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • A holder of a bachelor's degree in sociology with at least upper second-class honours, either as a major or a regular or its equivalent from Kenyatta University or any other recognized university.
    Or
  • A holder of a lower second-class bachelor's degree in sociology from Kenyatta University or any other recognised university, plus at least three years of relevant experience in community development, including evidence of research ability.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification seeks to meet the need for community development specialists within the discipline of sociology. The qualification will also facilitate research and the generation of knowledge on community development issues. Such knowledge will be available to government, civil society, and communities. Many community development workers do not have the necessary training in community development and this qualification seeks to give them an opportunity for professional training.

    The qualification will:
  • Equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques of community development.
  • Produce professionals with a capacity for spearheading sustainable community organization and development efforts.
  • Build a pool of knowledge on community organization and development.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules:
  • Advanced Sociological Theory.
  • Environment and Sustainable Community Development compares with Sustainable Communities: Theory, Method, and Case.
  • Advanced Demography.
  • Research Methods in Social Sciences compares with Advanced Community Based Research.
  • Gender and Community Development.
  • Methods and Techniques of Community Development compares with Advanced Community Based Research.
  • Community Leadership and Organization compares with Community Development Practice, Approaches and Processes.
  • Development and Management of Community Projects compares with Community Development Practice, Approaches and Processes.
  • Ethical and Legal Dimensions in Community Development compares with ELO5: Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
  • Resource Mobilization and Fund Raising.
  • Social Change and Community Development compares with Social Policy in Community Development.
  • Conflict Management compares with Conflict Resolution and Community Development.
  • Social policy and planning compare with Social Policy in Community Development.
  • Community Empowerment and Enterprise Development compares with Community Development Philosophy and Theory.
  • Qualitative Research Methods compares with Advanced Community Based Research.
  • Research Project compares with Mini Dissertation.

    Assessment: Coursework will account for 40% and the final exam shall account for 60%. The pass mark shall be 50%.

    Similarities:
  • The Kenyatta University (KU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of two years full-time.
  • The KU and SA qualifications are registered at NQF/KNQF Level 09
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the Bachelor Honour's Degree or equivalent qualification in the cognate field.
  • The KU and SA qualifications are designed to meet the need for community development specialists within the discipline of sociology.
  • Both qualifications will facilitate research and the generation of knowledge on community development issues.
  • Both qualifications share the same compulsory modules.
  • Both qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessments.

    Differences:
  • The KU qualification has 240 credits whereas the SA qualification has 188 credits.
  • The SA qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules while the KU qualification consists of compulsory modules only and no electives.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Murdoch University
    Qualification Title: Master of Community Development
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9
    Credits: 48 Credit points
    Duration: Two years full time
    Entry Requirements:
  • Recognized Bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent training, though not necessarily in an area directly related to the course, or satisfactory preparation through previous study or professional experience.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification introduces learners to the community development ideas and practices used to create and foster community-led change in settings around Australia and beyond.
    The qualification is designed for community work practitioners and graduates with an interest in moving into emerging fields that embrace the ideas and practices of community development and want to broaden their knowledge substantially through further postgraduate studies.

    Learners study real and living community projects that build on cultural strength in remote areas, urban agriculture and sustainability projects, grassroots creative arts projects, activism work and much more. Combine case studies, documentaries, films, and other creative digital forms that showcase examples of community work and attend workshops designed to teach creative ways of getting the community involved.

    On the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be to
  • Put theory into practice by undertaking a community development internship in a migrant resource centre, state or local government offices, an international development agency or through an alternative education project or community arts project.
  • Carry out research on community-based projects including work with local government authorities, Indigenous Australian groups and in the cultural development, arts, and film industries.
  • Undertake an independent research project or dissertation under the supervision of experienced researchers, in an area of community practice relevant and important to you.

    Graduates could work in many industry areas such as community and social services, local government, humanitarian organisations, NGOs, aid work, economic and social planning, sustainable development, and Indigenous governance. Careers could include:
  • Community Arts, Development or Service Coordinator.
  • Federal or State Government Policy Advisor.
  • International Aid Worker.
  • Engagement Officer.
  • Place and Activations Officer.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules for a total of 48 Credit points.

    Compulsory Modules, 24 Credit points.
  • Community Development Theory and Practice compares with Community Development Philosophy and Theory.
  • Community, Policy, and Change compares with Social Policy in Community Development.
  • Community Development Methods compares with Community Development Practice, Approaches and Processes.
  • Professional Placement.
  • Community, Industry and Local Government.
  • Community Development in Indigenous Communities compares with Community Development Philosophy and Theory.
  • Sustainability, Ecology and Communities compares with Sustainable Communities: Theory, Method, and Case.

    Elective Modules, 24 Credit points:
    Option One: Research Project compares with Advanced Community Based Research, 24 credit points.
    Or
    Option Two: Research Dissertation compares with Mini Dissertation, 24 credit points.

    Similarities:
  • The Murdoch University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications take two years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at NQF/AQF Level 9.
  • The MU and SA qualifications require learners who hold an Honour's Degree in a cognate field.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and exit-level outcomes.
  • Both qualifications share similar compulsory and elective modules.

    Differences:
  • The MU qualification has 48 credits whereas the SA qualification consists of 188 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Community Development, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Social Science in Community Development, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Community and Development Studies, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Development Policy and Practice, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Philosophy, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Africa Studies, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Sociology, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Social Science in Sociology, NQF level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Rural Development, NQF level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce in Development Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Administration in Development Studies, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Community Psychology, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Sociology, 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.
     
    1. University of the Free State 


    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.