1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with the Faculty of Arts Regulations and General Academic Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees offered by Midlands State University.

1.2 The Master of Arts in Development Studies is structured to meet developmental needs of Zimbabwe, the region and beyond. It intends to equip students with both theoretical and practical skills that are relevant to development institutions and organisations. Students may register on full time basis (3 Semesters) or part-time basis (4 Semester).

2. OBJECTIVES

2.1 The programme is for students interested in careers in contemporary development issues.

2.2 The programme aims to develop the sound conceptual, analytical and critical skills that are required in dynamic and complex modern development contexts.

3. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

3.1 To be enrolled into the programme, prospective students should be having a good honours degree in History and Development studies

3.2 Other degree holders shall be eligible for admission at the discretion of the Departmental Board

4. GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.1 The number of modules taken by any student from outside the department may be restricted.

4.2 The offering of elective modules depends on the availability of staff and/or teaching loads of available staff.

 

5. ASSESSMENT

5.1 Examinations, which shall normally be written at the end of each semester, comprise three-hour papers for theoretical modules.

5.2 Continuous assessment includes tests, essays and seminar paper presentations.

5.3 Failure to meet deadlines shall be taken to mean failure to carry out assigned work.

5.4 A student is normally required to attain 100% attendance of lectures.

6. DEGREE WEIGHTING

6.1 Examinations contribute 75% towards the final mark of a module.

6.2 Continuous assessment contributes 25% towards the final mark of a module.

7. MARKING SCHEME AND CLASSIFICATION

7.1 The following marking scheme shall apply for all modules:

Range of Marks Classification

80- 100 % Distinction

70- 79 % Merit

50 – 69 % pass

0 – 49 % Fail

7.2 Students shall earn at least 48 credits to be allowed to graduate.

8. PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

8.1 Students will retain credits for modules passed.

8.2 All module work must be completed before registering for the dissertation.

 

9. DEGREE STRUCTURE

CODE	MODULE DESCRIPTION	CREDITS
Level 1 Semester 1
Core Modules
MADS 701	Theories and Strategies in Development and Change	6
MADS702	Gender and Development	6
MADS703	Rural Policies and Development	6
MADS704	Research Methodologies for Development	6
Electives
MADS705	International Processes of Change and Development	6
MADS706	Development Accounting and Finance	6
Level 1 Semester 2
Core Modules
MADS707	Governance, Globalization and Civil Society	6
MADS708	Development Management Techniques	6
MADS709	Conflict Management for Development Practitioners	6
Electives
MADS710	Human Rights, Social Justice and Development	6
MADS711	Famines and Food Security	6
MADS712	Managing Environmental Changes	6
Level 2 Semester 1
MADS870	Dissertation	12

 

10. MODULE SYNOPSES

MADS 701 Theories and Strategies in Development and Change

The module examines dominant paradigms and theories of development and change.

MADS 702 Gender and Development

The module begins by examining attempts to measure the gender dimension of development outcomes.

MADS 703 Rural Policies and Development

The module surveys the theory and practice of rural policies and transformation.

MADS 704 Research Methodologies for Development

This module will introduce students to the logic and parameters of the research process, and the relevance of both qualitative and quantitative data and evidence.

MADS 706 International Processes of Change and Development

The module examines the origins and development of the post-war order and the globalisation debate.

MADS706 Development Accounting and Finance

The module introduces the key accounting and financial concepts and surveys the theoretical and analytical foundations of current policy debates relating to financial sector policy and management in developing countries.

MADS707Governance, Globalization and Civil Society

This module examines the paradox at the centre of globalisation, particularly the main issues in the debate about the meaning, extent, and consequences of `globalisation’.

MADS 708 Development Management Techniques

This module covers the main elements of preparation, management and evaluation of development projects, with examples taken from social, environmental and natural resource development areas.

MADS709 Conflict Management for Development Practitioners

This module explores peace processes in contemporary conflicts, applying theoretical ideas about conflict and conflict resolution to a number of case studies drawn from international, internal and environmental conflicts.

MADS710 Human Rights, Social Justice and Development

The module helps to frame relevant problems that arise in particular economic, social, cultural or religious contexts, and leads into deeper analysis of such problems.

MADS 711 Famines and Food Security

This module offers the opportunity to examine and consider a variety of aspects of the problems of famine and food insecurity, both from the perspectives of affected people and agencies attempting to prevent, relieve or mitigate famine

MADS 712 Managing Environmental Changes

The module examines main approaches to environmental management that are regulatory and market based. It provides students with knowledge of environmental regulations and law and environmental economics.