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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Development Policy and Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90850  Master of Philosophy in Development Policy and Practice 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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  Public Administration 
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  SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 primary purpose of the qualification is to enhance the capabilities and applied research skills of a carefully selected group of South African and other African professionals with high leadership potential (and at least an Honours Degree or its equivalent), who are committed to a career in public service. To achieve this, the qualification aims to offer a structured and sustained learning opportunity, at the cutting edge of global knowledge and experience, with abundant opportunities for applied research, related to effective approaches and practices of public policy design and implementation in developing countries.

The majority of the selected learners will be concurrently employed in the public sector. The qualification will be structured to provide sustained opportunities to integrate learning, applied research and practice.

Rationale:
South Africa and the rest of Africa are on the cusp of change. Improvements in governance and accountability, in economic policy and international economic circumstances have led to higher, more consistent and broader based growth than at any previous time in modern African history. The reforms completed so far have been through political will at the top and a few highly competent officials. Going forward, there is a need for a larger number and wider range of skilled officials and political leaders within the public service sector of these nations.

There is thus a significant need for specialised training for senior public servants. The qualification will be embedded in a rich array of modules including executive short courses and the development of a peer network of practitioners and researchers. The qualification aims to help make government service at the highest level an aspiration for the most able of each generation. It will seek to build pride amongst government leaders in South Africa and more broadly in Africa, and promote links between leaders in government and leaders in other fields such as science, business and the arts. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Formal tertiary training from an Honours Degree in a relevant field:
  • English language proficiency, both written and spoken.
  • Computer Literacy.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    It is assumed that learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification. In addition, through RPL learners may apply for credits for certain modules.

    Recognition of Prior Learning is possible for purposes of both access and full or partial exemption from content. Admissions or exemptions through RPL are in accordance with institutional principles and may be in the form of qualifications from other countries, reports testimonials or work records.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The minimum admission requirements will be:
  • A relevant Honours Degree.
  • Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
  • Computer Literacy.
    The academic components of these admission requirements are aligned with the institution's admission policy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises six modules, including a minor-dissertation, totalling 180 Credits, all at NQF Level 9.

    Modules:
  • Strategic Policy-Making for Development: Analysis and Practice, 25 Credits.
  • Policy Implementation and the Regulation of Markets: Analysis and Practice, 25 Credits.
  • Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness 1, 20 Credits.
  • Enhancing Leadership Effectiveness 2, 10 Credits.
  • Topics in Development Policy, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Electives (selected from other approved modules within the institution), 10 Credits.
  • Minor Dissertation, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner should be able to:
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of issues, problems, ideas, discourses, processes, structures and trends pertaining to both policy and development, especially in relation to South Africa and comparable societies.
  • Understand various models of public policy analysis and development.
  • Comprehend different research methods, techniques and methodologies applicable to the fields of policy and development studies.
  • Acquire a critical awareness and capacity for research to be able to investigate and understand issues, problems and trends in policy and development studies.
  • Initiate independent and original research that can advance scholarship.
  • Present research findings that meet appropriate academic and professional standards in policy and development studies.
  • Demonstrate attributes to become a scholar: to inculcate a passion for learning and to appreciate the necessity for accuracy, honesty, fairness, generosity and integrity in the context of policy and development studies.
  • Acquire an appreciation of the virtues of being an independent learner, as well as recognising the value of cooperating and collaborating with others in policy and development studies.
  • Respond to the challenges of democracy and development in South Africa in relation to policy and development studies.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The learner is able to:
  • Identify and solve problems.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Analyse, organise and evaluate information.
  • Demonstrate and understand the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment criteria are demonstrated fulfilment of the desired outcomes (above) met through successful completion of course-work modules (assessed through a range of methods including tests, assignments and formal examinations, in written reports and a supervised short research project demonstrating familiarity with appropriate research methods). The Assessment Criteria are applicable across the whole range of Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated fashion.
  • Identify and understand at an advanced level the main trends, themes and debates within the field.
  • Identify, debate and apply at an advanced level the main theoretical approaches developed in related knowledge areas.
  • Apply relevant methodological approaches and key research techniques.
  • Conduct advanced literature searches to inform reviews of specialised literature in the field.
  • Prepare professional papers for peer review.
  • Where relevant, apply cross-disciplinary knowledge to respond to practical problems facing societies in transition in Africa generally and South Africa in particular.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments will include written assignments and a minor dissertation. For some modules, there will also be a written examination. Assessment will include application of analytical policy skills to workplace challenges. This means that both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Master of Philosophy: Development Policy and Parctice is equivalent to a one-year full-time Masters Degree in Public Policy. Many universities offer a Degree of this kind. This qualification is comparable with the following international qualifications in content and in meeting the research prerequisites for the completion of a Master's Degree.

    Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies in the United States offers a Master of International Public Policy, which is designed for mid-career professionals with nine or more years of relevant work experience, who wish to acquire the analytical and management skills necessary to formulate and advocate policy on key international issues. Learners have the advantage of designing their own curriculum consisting of eight non-language modules. They may also affiliate with an academic programme to gain in-depth insight into a specific field of study.

    University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom offers the Masters in Public Administration which is an internationally recognised qualification providing the competencies and knowledge necessary for public service managers to manage creatively in challenging policy environments. It is suitable for new graduates and those with managerial and/or public sector work experience. The focus of the qualification is on critical issues and key developments relating to public management, such as leadership, strategy, performance management and human resource management. With the current developments in countries around the world, this is one of the most exciting times to be studying anything to do with the public sector, governance and government and the delivery of services to meet people's needs.

    Conclusion:
    The Master of Philosophy: Development Policy and Parctice compares favourably with those from the University of Nottingham and John Hopkins University, in that all are taught Masters qualifications. This qualification does however have (in addition to the taught modules) a research component in the form of a minor-dissertation to be submitted in order to complete the qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • A Masters: Development Planning.
  • A Master of Arts: Development Studies.
  • A Master of Philosophy: Development Studies.
  • A Master of Public Administration.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • A Doctor of Administration: Development Studies.
  • A Doctor of Commerce: Development Studies.
  • A Doctor of Philosophy: Rural Development.
  • A Doctor of Administration: Public Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification will be moderated via a system of external peer review and evaluation of all examinations. At least one internal examiner at least two external examiners will be appointed in the various areas of focus. The minimum qualifications for examiners should be a PhD, plus at least 5 years' research experience in the specific focus areas. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The criteria for assessors for the qualification and modules are governed by the institution's policy. Assessors must have a qualification one NQF Level higher than the current qualification and appropriate experience in the field. 

    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 Cape Town 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.