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.
