PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

The purpose of this programme is to equip students with skills and knowledge to support people with socioeconomic challenges. This field is ideal for people seeking to help others; who possess the skills to improve societal systems. Organisations such as preschools, addiction recovery centres, and government agencies need professionals skilled in data analytics, programme planning, personnel management, counselling, and communication.

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry: A good honours degree, with at least 2.2, from a recognised university in any discipline. Equivalent qualifications for admission into the programme will be considered. Prospective candidates with two years post-qualification experience in their field have an added advantage.

PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1   AREAS OF STUDY

Principles of Leadership Ethics, Family and Youth Development, Advanced Studies in Gender and Organisational Leadership, Ubuntu and Principles of Leadership, Gerontology, Advanced Research Methods and Statistics, Contemporary Ethical Problems in Zimbabwe, Health and Well-being

3.2   SPECIALIST FOCUS

         Impart students with therapeutic approaches that equip them to work in many settings.

3.3   ORIENTATION

The programme takes a multicultural approach where diversity and tolerance of other religions are emphasised.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1   EMPLOYABILITY:

Organisations such as preschools, addiction recovery centres, and government agencies need professionals skilled in data analytics, programme planning, personnel management, counselling, and communication hence post-graduates in Ethics and Human Development can choose careers in these fields. They can also serve marginalised groups, such as the LGBT community, single-parent families, and immigrants or choose careers in social work, senior citizen activism, or non-profit management.

4.2   FURTHER STUDIES 

 PhD Studies

SUMMARY OF MODULES

 

Level 1 Semester 1 

Module name                                                                                               Credits

MAEHD 500 Theories of Human Development                                              20

*MAEHD 501 Classical and Modern Ethical Theories                                    20

MAEHD 502 Family and Youth Development                                               20

* MAEHD 503 Ubuntu and Principles of Leadership Ethics                            20

Level 1 Semester 2

MAEHD 504 Advanced Research Methods and Theories                                20

MAEHD 505 Gerontology                                                                            20

MAEHD 506 Family and Community Services                                              20

*MAEHD 507 Organisational Politics and Conflict Management                    20

*MAEHD 509 Contemporary Ethical Problems in Zimbabwe                         20

 

 Level 2 Semester 1

*MAEHD 508 Dissertation                                                                           90

Electives

MAEHD 510 Advanced Business Ethics                                                        20

MAEHD 511 Health and Well-being                                                              20

MAEHD 512 Human Rights and Organisational Leadership                            20

MAEHD 516 Ethics in Organisational Communication                                   20

MAEHD 517 Non-profit Management                                                           20

 

MODULE SYNOPSES 

 

MAEHD 500 Theories of Human Development

The module examines the development process, looking at the series of changes that occur as a result of an interaction between biological and environmental factors. Why might our behaviour as an adult be so different from when we were infants? Why and how does one stage of development follow the next? Are the changes that we experience abrupt in nature or smooth and predictable? The module provides a comprehensive view of the primary theoretical models of human development including those from the biological, psychoanalytic, behavioural, and cognitive developmental perspectives. Along with a brief discussion of the historical background for each of these approaches, the module examines the application of these theories to various aspects of human development, such as the effectiveness of early intervention, individual differences, adolescence, and socio-biology.

 

MAEHD 501 Classical and Modern Ethical Theories

This module introduces students to the nature of ethics and a critical reflection on some of the most influential ethical theories from the classical to the modern era. The purpose of this module is to introduce to students the various ethical theories and enable them to understand and appreciate their place. An understanding and appreciation of ethical theories will develop among students’ evaluative skills when confronted with moral dilemmas in real-life situations and transform them into their ethical conduct.

 

MAEHD 502 Family and Youth Development

This module enables students to have an in-depth understanding of childhood, adolescence, and early adult development. They examine biological, social, and psychological changes during these years. Courses include theories in family science, effective management of family resources, and applied concepts in parenting and family life education

 

MAEHD 503 Ubuntu and Principles of Leadership Ethics

Ubuntu and principles of leadership is a module that seeks to derive ethical leadership principles from the African ethic of Ubuntu. The module proceeds from an understanding of Ubuntu as a moral theory and then demonstrates how it can lead to ethical leadership. Ubuntu in this module is compared to some Western theories of leadership drawing similarities and differences. Ubuntu is also applied to contemporary issues in ethical leadership and the idea is to demonstrate that the values of Ubuntu can promote ethical leadership and can provide solutions for contemporary challenges in ethical leadership like corruption and multi-culturalism. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the Ubuntu ethic and how it can promote good corporate governance.

 

MAEHD 504 Advanced Research Methods and Theories

The module provides the learners with research methods skills that can be used within languages, literature and cultural studies. The primary objective of this module is to reacquaint learners with a variety of research traditions and related methodological and epistemological issues. The module gives the learner skills to understand the relation between qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research designs in relation to their applicability, and their ability to contribute to an understanding of specific research issues. The module also offers learners an opportunity to address current methodological issues as they pertain to their research interests thereby providing each with the potential to knowledgeably justify and explain her or his chosen methodology and method. It is in this module that learners practice their ability to prepare and carry out interviews, observations, case studies, document analyses and surveys. The learners also practice the analysis of results that have been collected by means of the chosen method(s) and instruments. Furthermore, the module also acquaints the learners with the type of research paradigm which subsequently determines the methods of data collection and analysis. It also enables learners to reflect upon the process of acquiring relevant information. The module therefore endeavours to equip learners to develop research proposals, review related literature focusing on global, regional trends in the specific area of study, write research and take note of ethical considerations in everything that is done in a research endeavour.

 

MAEHD 505 Gerontology

This module introduces students to issues related to late adulthood. Gerontology draws from many disciplines, including law, social work, geography, and economics. Gerontologists may work with data, manage programmes, or serve as counsellors. The module includes theories of ageing, biologies of ageing, and clinical neuroscience of ageing.

 

MAEHD 506 Family and Community Services

In this module, students study personal, family, and community interaction across the lifespan. They develop skills to design, implement, sustain, and manage family and community programmes. The module includes issues like resilience in families, lifespan development, and foundations and principles of family and community services.

 

MAEHD 507 Organisational Politics and Conflict Management

The module is about organisational politics and conflict management. It tackles the concept of conflict which is nothing but the clashing of opposing interests. The module provides the skills and competencies on how to deal with politics in organisations.

 

 

MAEHD 509 Contemporary Ethical Problems in Zimbabwe

This is an applied ethics module which addresses the ethical dilemmas people make in day –to- day life. The module tackles such issues as homosexuality, masturbation, abortion, euthanasia, corruption, capital punishment, animal rights, politics, social injustice and peace. The module introduces students to the problems that constitute our human societies today and how they can solve the dilemmas.

 

MAEHD 508 Dissertation

This module provides the student with the opportunity to research a topic of their choice. With guidance from a member of the academic staff as supervisor, students will plan and design an independent research project which relates to their overall programme of study. At this level, students should show the potential of conducting independent research and the topics chosen need to be attempting to solve societal challenges.

 

MAEHD 510 Advanced Business Ethics

The module equips students with the knowledge of applying basic ethical theories and moral philosophies in reaching decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in the business world. This module is also designed to provide an analysis and examination of significant contemporary ethical issues and challenges existing throughout the professional business arena. The module empowers students with tools with which to evaluate ethical dilemmas in business and to foster awareness of the benefits and limitations of bringing ethical theory into the business environment.

 

MAEHD 511 Health and Well-being

Emphasisng holistic health in nonclinical settings, this module prepares lifestyle coaches and skills, and programme planning health consultants to create corporate wellness programmes, educate clients, and establish community health initiatives. The module includes assessment and integration of research, wellness coaching communication for health educators.

 

MAEHD 512 Human Rights and Organisational Leadership

Human Rights and Organisational Leadership is a module which provides a key understanding of human rights and their place in organisational leadership. It also distinguishes between man and woman rights and shows how these are applied and respected in the corporate world. The module discusses ethical problems associated with human rights at the workplace, for instance, issues of hiring and firing workers. The purpose of this module is to foster an understanding of human rights both male and female rights and show how these are employed at the organisational level. It also provides the key elements of organisational leadership.

 

MAEHD 516 Ethics in Organisational Communication

This module examines how the philosophical world of ethics can be applied to organisational communication. The focus is on finding out how ethics can add value, by addressing the downside of its absence, especially, but not limited to, the handling of dilemmas and contradictions in organisational communication.

 

MAEHD 517 Non-profit Management

Learners in this module study strategic planning, accounting, community relations, and programme management. Courses include philanthropy, the non-profit sector, and programme evaluation and information management. Many programmes require students to complete a capstone project.