Introduction to the Master of Commerce in Economic Development

The Master of Commerce specialising in Economic Development aims to equip students with essential research skills and knowledge in their chosen area of specialisation. The 120 credit dissertation weighting allows students to qualify for NRF funding.

About the Programme

The programme is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of economic development, including governance and growth, problems of globalisation, and research and policy tools. The programme comprises two compulsory courses, two optional courses, and a dissertation.

Entrance Requirements

To be eligible for the programme, students must have an average of at least 65% in an honours degree with a three-year major in Economics in a Bachelors degree. Students must also have completed a quantitative course in Econometrics at the 3rd year level or equivalent. Recommendation of acceptance is at the discretion of the programme convener and the Graduate Committee.

Programme Convenor

The programme convenor is Michael Smith.

Duration

The programme is offered over two years full-time and begins in February.

Prescribed Curriculum Structure

The programme comprises 240 credits, including two compulsory courses, two optional courses, and a dissertation.

Compulsory Courses

• ECO5003F: Governance and Growth (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5073S: Problems of Globalisation (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5074F: Research and Policy Tools: Development Impact and Evaluation (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5025S: Research skills in Economics (8 credits, NQF Level 9)

Elective Courses

Students must choose one course from the following options:

• ECO5020F: Advanced Microeconomics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5021F: Advanced Macroeconomics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5046F: Advanced Econometrics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5050S: International Finance (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5052S: Natural Resource Economics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5057S: Labour Economics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5062S: Applied International Trade (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5030S: Applied Growth Theory (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5064S: Behavioural Economics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5069S: Applied Time Series Analysis (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5070S: Microeconometrics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5075S: Macroeconomic Policy Analysis (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5076S: Development Microeconomics (30 credits, NQF Level 9)
• ECO5077S: Empirical Industrial Organisation (30 credits, NQF Level 9)

Research Component

• ECO5066W: Minor Dissertation (120 credits, NQF Level 9)

Submission Deadline for Research Component

The master's dissertation must be submitted by 31 October of the second year.

Assessment

To qualify for the degree, students must pass all courses, including the research component to the value of 240 credits. To pass a course, a student must obtain 50% for the course.

Distinction Rules

The degree will be awarded with distinction if the candidate obtains an overall average mark of at least 75% at the first attempt and obtains not less than 70% for both the coursework component and the dissertation component of the degree.

University of Cape Town: A Summary

---

Overview:

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a globally recognized university located in South Africa. It is committed to unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society, with a focus on transformation, sustainability, and excellence. UCT is known for its strong academic programs, research initiatives, and commitment to social responsibility.

---

Services Offered:

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The provided context does not offer specific details about student life and campus experiences at UCT. However, it highlights the university's commitment to creating a supportive environment for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

International Recognition:

UCT graduates hold qualifications that are recognized globally.

Social Justice Focus:

The university emphasizes values of engaged citizenship and social justice.

Research Excellence:

UCT is a leading research institution in Africa, contributing to new knowledge and addressing global challenges.

Sustainable Development Goals:

UCT is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and plays a critical role in addressing global challenges through research.

Transformative Initiatives:

UCT is actively involved in initiatives like the African Paediatric Fellowship Programme and the 100UP programme, which aim to address critical issues in healthcare and education access.

---

Academic Programs:

The context mentions the university's commitment to generating new knowledge in, for, and from Africa. It also highlights specific research achievements, such as identifying a new heart-attack gene and a landmark restitution of human remains. However, it does not provide a detailed list of academic programs offered at UCT.

---

Other:

UCT is ranked among the top 1.3% of universities worldwide by the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). The university is actively involved in various initiatives to address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare access.