REGULATIONS FOR MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN DEMOGRAPHY AND POPULATION STUDIES (MDPS)

Duration:	18 Months
Actual Credit Load Minimum Credit Load:	270 270
Maximum Credit Load:	340
Maximum MBKS Credit Load	234
ZNQF Level:	9

 

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme grapples with a multiplicity of ways in which human populations change and explores the causes and consequences of that change.  The program covers extensive areas that include demographic techniques, population and development, mortality and epidemiology, demography and globalization among other areas.  This multi-disciplinary programme cooperates theoretical and substantive case material which is important in understanding and comprehending the broader range of social and demographic dynamics.  Essential to this programme is the study of the demographic behaviour of people in terms of life events such as birth, marriage, divorce, health, migration and death.  This programme focuses on these demographic events in detail showing how these are influenced by the hysterical, economic, societal, cultural and medical factors.

 2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry

An honours degree with at least 2.2 undergraduate degree class in Social Sciences, or BSc Honours in Geography and a pass in Mathematics at O Level with a C or better.

A strong background in Demographic Techniques will be an added advantage.

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study

1.       Demography& Demographic Techniques

Many of our societies continue to face a diverse set of demographic challenges and opportunities, including rapid population ageing, extremely low as well as very high fertility, and sizable population migration. These and other demographic trends have important repercussions in all possible domains of life; from voting behavior to living arrangements, labour markets and economic growth, tax revenues and pension systems, carbon emissions, and the demand for education, health and social services. Demography, in other words, may well be the single most defining factor of the world that we live in.

2.       Health

The programme equips students with the theories and skills to understand and quantify macro-level population dynamics and their downstream implications for health and health policies. Students are further trained in the analysis of micro-level processes that govern population change, including fertility and reproductive behaviour, exposure to health risks, and population mobility.

3.       Research

Analysis tools and techniques are applied to high-income settings where high-quality data are usually abundant to resource-constrained settings that are covered by partial or deficient information systems

Special Focus: Demography, Demographic Techniques, Health and Research

Orientation:            Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning focus on equipping students with knowledge of population dynamics and its impact on resource use, governance and population growth.  It equips students with information on natural and man-made disasters and ways to avert or reduce theirimpacts.

Distinctive Features:  The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach.

4.0   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Demography and population studies prepare graduates for excellent careers in a variety of areas such as civil society, government ministries, NGOs, research organizations, local and international organizations, academia and many other areas. Job markets:  IOM, UNDP, CSO, Population Services, ZIMSTAT.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy Studies in Demography and Population Studies and other related fields.

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code            Module Description                                                             Credits

DPS701                   Demographic Techniques I                                                    18

DPS702                   Demographic Theories                                                          18

DPS703                   Migration                                                                             18

MSR703                  Advanced Qualitative Research                                             18

 

Elective Modules (choose one)

DPS 708     Demography and Environmental Issues                                    18

MCRP 701     Theories, Concepts and Principles of Migration

                     and Demography                                                                    18

Level 1 Semester 2

DPS704                   Demographic Techniques II                                                  18

DPS705                   Mortality                                                                              18

DPS706                   Reproductive Health                                                             18

MSR704                  Advanced Quantitative Research                                           18

Elective Modules (choose one)

DPS 711 Demographic Change, Ageing and Globalization                              18

DPS 709 Population and Development                                                           18

Level 2 Semester 1

DPS 801      Dissertation                                                                          90

MODULE SYNOPSES

DPS 701 Demographic Techniques I

Knowledge about demographic measures is key in the teaching of Demography. The module is designed to introduce students from various disciplines to the principles of demographic analysis using computer applications. Focus is on direct methods of analysing population data with specific reference to data collection, computation and interpretation of demographic measures and application of selected techniques. Basic demographic measures and concepts will be taught. Demographic measures of fertility, mortality, migration and population projections will be covered.

DPS 702 Demographic Theories

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to the general theories of population, including theories of fertility, fecundity, marriage, mortality, and migration. Theories of population growth and replacement, economic and social distribution as well as population classification of population will also be discussed. This module covers the development of population studies into a proper historical science. General theories of population help to explain the reason for population growth and replacement and the effect that these changes have on both economic and social distribution.

DPS 703 Migration

Migration is a key population variable that influences population growth. The module endeavours to equip students with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in migration analysis from global, regional and Zimbabwean perspectives. The following concepts will be covered in the Migration module: definition of migration and measures; levels, trends and patterns of migration; theories of migration as they assume the determinants of migration; the effects of migration on development; the nexus between migration and gender; and migration policies and programmes.

MSR703 Advanced Qualitative Research

This module builds on students’ knowledge of qualitative research methods by introducing them to advanced methods and techniques commonly used by qualitative researchers. The module seeks to foster an advanced level of understanding of, and expertise in the use of, the key methods of qualitative data generation. Using a theoretical and practical learning approach, students will be further equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to critically engage with complex concepts relevant to the advanced aspects of qualitative research such as critical appraisal of research output.  Topics covered will include action research, ethnographic and observational research, and conversation analysis, documentary and archival analysis, participatory research, grounded theory, narrative interviewing, visual and other technology-based methods of data collection as well as fundamentals of qualitative data analysis.

DPS704 Demographic Techniques II

The module is designed for students who would have successfully completed Demographic Techniques 1. Given the errors associated with the direct methods of collecting population data, the module aims to impart knowledge on how to identify and clean for such errors. Indirect estimation of fertility, mortality and migration measures using specific models and computer applications will be covered. Attention will be given to the assumptions of the identified models and their relevance in estimating population measures in developing countries and Zimbabwe in particular.

DPS705 Mortality

There has been a shift in disease prevalence in developed nations from infectious to man-made and degenerative diseases. However, developing countries, Zimbabwe included are faced with a double burden of diseases. Thus, the Mortality module would enable students to grasp concepts, current issues and debates in morbidity, mortality and health. The module will also cover the following issues: global patterns of mortality; mortality differentials; theories of mortality; infant and child mortality; maternal mortality; HIV and AIDS and mortality; and mortality health intervention programmes and strategies.

DPS706 Reproductive Health

Reproductive Health is emerging as a pertinent issue in the contemporary world, the module intends to cover reproductive health issues using a life cycle approach. The module is intended to impart students with knowledge about adolescent reproductive health issues, youths’ reproductive health issues, male reproductive health issues, female reproductive health issues, HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, family planning, mortality and morbidity, reproductive health rights, gender and reproductive health and policies on reproductive health.

DPS801 Dissertation

Research is a key component in designing models, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policies and programmes both at global, regional and national levels. The purpose of the Dissertation is for the students show showcase their ability in conducting innovative research. Each student is expected to come up with a research topic, write the research proposal, clearly articulate either the qualitative research methods or the quantitative research methods or both, the research design(s), research tools, data management and analysis, presentation and discussion of research findings. The dissertation module gives the students an opportunity to provide valuable recommendations for policies and programmes that would result in the positive transformation\ of the socioeconomic, religious and environment of the population. Such recommendations from the dissertation module would subsequently enhance societal innovation and industrialisation.

DPS 708 Demography and Environmental Issues

This module examines the human-environment nexus in the contemporary world. The module seeks to foster an advanced level of understanding of the impact of humans on the environment.  The module will cover the following issues: consumption of resources such as land, food, water, air, fossil fuels and minerals and waste products as a result of consumption such as air and water pollutants, toxic materials and greenhouse gases.

DPS 709 Population and Development

The module contextualizes the population and development debate which articulates the relationship between population and development at different epochs of development. Subsequently, the module links the three components of population growth: fertility; mortality and migration to development. The concepts of urbanization, labour force, carrying capacity and population pressure on resources are covered.

MCRP 701 Theories, Concepts and Principles of Migration and Demography

This module explores theories, concepts and principles of migration and demography in a Pan-African context. Empirical studies from different disciplinary traditions are explored to explain the demographic configurations of sender and receptor regions. Migration cycles are explained using temporal and spatial scales such as first, second-generation immigrants and micro and macro levels analyses. The emphasis of the module is on comparative empirical research examples, strategies and findings. In addition, the module explores current controversies in the field of migration studies and implications for immigration policies and debates.

DPS 711 Demographic Change, Ageing and Globalization

This module provides a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module focuses on transitional and developing societies and on linkages between regions of the world. The implications of contemporary demographic changes on the welfare of individuals, families and societies are also explored. The module also provides an awareness of how globalization, demographic, social and economic change in one part of the world impacts upon trends in another. An intergenerational life-course approach is adopted, stressing the close interaction between older and younger people in the production of risk and welfare in later life