Bachelor of Arts Honours in Community Development
The BAHons in Community Development is a 120-credit programme that can be completed in one year full-time or two years part-time. The programme is offered through both contact and distance learning modes, providing flexibility for students based on their needs.
Aim
The BAHons Development programme offers students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of both the theory and practice of community development, with a strong foundation in community-focused research. Through this programme, students will critically analyse and apply core concepts of community development, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to facilitate collective action and drive positive change within communities.
Programme Enrollment Policy and Registration Guidelines
If the required number is not reached by the end of the registration period, the programme will only receive new students in the next registration period. New students already registered for the programme will be advised on the options available to them, and paid fees will be refunded where applicable. Students who have already completed one or more semesters will not be affected.
Time Commitment
The programme can be completed in a minimum of one year full-time or two years part-time. It is available for both full-time and part-time study on campus, with intakes in both January and July.
Accreditation
Cornerstone Institute (RF) NPC is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Registration Certificate No. 2001/HE08/006). The BAHons in Community Development is offered in contact mode and is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). This 120-credit programme is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) at NQF level 8. SAQA ID: 97901; CHE reference: H/PRO96/E018CAN.
Mode of delivery
Distance and Contact
Admission Requirements
- A candidate must have complied with all the requirements of an undergraduate degree, or equivalent, before the beginning of the academic year for which he/she has been selected
- Third-year key modules in social sciences must have passed with a minimum of 60%
- As per the RPL Policy, no more than 10% of applicants who do not have the necessary 60% grade for third year in social science (or equivalent) can be admitted into the programme, if they have obtained work or life experience which qualifies them to be admitted as postgraduate students
- Applicants must provide evidence of computer literacy. Candidates can be required to take a computer course to improve their computer skills
- All successful applicants are required to complete a pre-programme assignment to determine the level of academic support that is required. In addition, it prepares students for the first week’s discussions.
By the end of this programme students will be able to:
- Analyse and critique significant philosophical approaches towards and theories of community development in a variety of contexts
- Apply sound social science research methodology to community development related situations, conducting in-depth research, analysis and interpretation in a community-based context
- Examine how the issues of governance, social policy and the legislative framework governing and shaping community development structures and practice
- Identify, assess and apply integrated programme management principles for sustainable people-centred development
- Examine in-depth two focus areas of interest in community development.
The curriculum provides students with foundational knowledge of community development theory and practice while allowing them to pursue specific areas of interest within community development studies. This is achieved by assisting students to comprehend, analyse and apply community development theory, policy and governance, programme management theory, and social research methodology.
Module descriptions and credits
For a description of each module, click the ‘Module descriptions’ button to access details.