The Institute for Social Development offers Honours and Master's Degrees in Development Studies as well as PhD programme by thesis. These course are designed for those planning a career in the field of economic and social development as policy-makers, activist, administrators, developers, researchers or teachers.
The programme prepares students to understand the concept of knowledge application to identify, investigate and assess complex or abstract problems relevant for development studies and beyond. Students are expected to master the ability to apply knowledge in a self-critical manner, as well as to adopt new strategies for on-going learning needs. By the end of programme students are required to develop intermediate research methodology and academic writing skills.
Students must be residents in Cape Town for the coursework component. The programme requires passing five modules of which four are compulsory.
All course work classes are offered during working hours (09H00 – 16H00), and students in full time employment must make arrangements with their employer to attend classes. The teaching methods in all programmes are designed to be as interactive as possible, emphasising small group work and using relevant and practical case studies. In addition to formal presentations by ISD staff and invited lecturers, students are presented with class exercises and are required to do individual assignments. In most courses emphasis is placed on independent research.
Honours in Development Studies
The Honours in Development Studies degree is earned in one year full time and two years part time. The programme consist of four compulsory modules and two elective modules designed to equip students with knowledge and competencies in theories and research methodologies of development studies, critical social theory and development economics, as well as basic specialisation in a sub-field.The programme prepares students to understand the concept of knowledge application to identify, investigate and assess complex or abstract problems relevant for development studies and beyond. Students are expected to master the ability to apply knowledge in a self-critical manner, as well as to adopt new strategies for on-going learning needs. By the end of programme students are required to develop intermediate research methodology and academic writing skills.
Students must be residents in Cape Town for the coursework component. The programme requires passing five modules of which four are compulsory.
Structured Masters in Development Studies (MDS)
The M.DEV STUDIES (1827) is a two-year full-time programme consisting of a four compulsory and two elective modules. The program emphasises practical and applied dimensions of policy design and implementation and evaluation. It prepares students to acquire knowledge and develop the skills to engage with, critique and apply current research, policy and practices in development studies. On completion, students are expected to demonstrate a command of the theories and epistemology of development studies, and show knowledge of critical social theory and development economics. They must equally develop learning strategies which sustain independent learning and have acquired advanced research methodology and academic writing skills. The programme requires passing six modules of which four are compulsory.Masters by Thesis
The Masters by Thesis requires extended independent study which is used to investigate a development research problem that you have chosen. A research proposal provides a literature review, design, methodology and analytical framework. Independent research is conducted using qualitative or quantitative methods, or mixed methods. Data is analysed and recommendations are suggested for development policies. The thesis is usually 60,000 words in length. The Masters by Thesis does not require that you be a resident in Cape Town for the full duration of study, but you should plan to spend at least three months in residence during your studies.PhD in Development Studies
The PhD in Development Studies requires significant independent study which results in a unique contribution to knowledge in the field of development studies. This research is used to investigate a development research problem that you have chosen. A research proposal is developed which provides a literature review, design, methodology and analytical framework. Independent research is conducted using qualitative or quantitative methods, or mixed methods. Data is analysed and recommendations are suggested for development policies. The thesis is usually 80,000 words in length. The PhD does not require that you be resident in Cape Town for the full duration of study, but you should plan to spend at least six months in residence during your studies. Please kindly note that different regulations might be relevant for DAAD scholarship holders of the Centre.Teaching
The Honours, Masters and PhD programmes are designed for those planning a career in the field of economic and social development as policy-makers, activists, administrators, development practitioners, researchers or academics at universities.All course work classes are offered during working hours (09H00 – 16H00), and students in full time employment must make arrangements with their employer to attend classes. The teaching methods in all programmes are designed to be as interactive as possible, emphasising small group work and using relevant and practical case studies. In addition to formal presentations by ISD staff and invited lecturers, students are presented with class exercises and are required to do individual assignments. In most courses emphasis is placed on independent research.
The objectives of our teaching and research activities are to:
- Prepare students to understand the development experience of different countries from the perspective of different disciplines;
- Empower students by furnishing them with analytical and conceptual skills needed to understand the problems of development in a transformational context and to actively participate in the debates regarding future options;
- Equip students with practical skills to enable them to participate effectively in development-related research, policy-making and implementation;
- Create an environment where a diversified group of students and researchers from all continents can learn and benefit from each other’s experiences;
- Contribute towards knowledge building in the field of development studies through research, community engagement and policy analysis.
