The Postgraduate Diploma in Survey Data Analysis for Development [CG038ECO15]  aims to equip participants with the survey and data skills to contribute to the policy debates in South Africa and the world. Both the practical data skills as well as the theoretical understanding of the development and policy context will be emphasised.

Entrance Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree in statistics, economics or demography or

  • An alternative tertiary qualification plus appropriate work experiences, such as the use of econometric software and data analysis, subject to the University’s RPL criteria and entrance exam.

  • Recommendation of acceptance is at the discretion of the Graduate Committee.

Programme Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Survey Data Analysis for Development programme comprises two compulsory courses in the first semester, four compulsory courses in the second semester and a compulsory research report. The degree runs over 12 months if undertaken full-time and 24 months if undertaken part-time.  The programme comprises 120 credits.

Compulsory courses

Code Name Credits Level
ECO4116F Cross-Sectional Econometrics Methods 16 8
ECO4117F Panel Data Methods  16 8
ECO4115S  Consumption and Microeconomic Theory 16 8
ECO4119F Analysis of Complex Surveys 14 8
ECO4121S Welfare Measurement 14 8
ECO4118S Applied Labour Economics 14 8

Research component

Code Name Credits Level
ECO4120S Research Project 30 8

 

luding the research report to a value of 120 HEQF credits. The research component is examined through a research report (30 HEQF credits), which will be due mid-December in the year following the coursework.

 

Readmission rules:

Students who fail may repeat a maximum of two courses of the coursework component once they have submitted the required research report within the timeframe for submission. A compulsory course may be repeated only if the student scored at least 40% on the first attempt. There will be no supplementary examinations.

Further programme specific administrative requirements:

In addition to completing the University application form, all students must also submit a CV, letter of motivation and the names and contact details of two referees before 31 October. The programme begins in January.

Distinction rules:

The Honours degree may be awarded in “the First Class” if the student has an overall average of at least 75%, with a subminimum of 70% for the course work and the research dissertation.

Important dates: 

Applications are now open and close on 31 October. To apply online, click here

For more information on the courses, please refer to the Commerce Postgraduate Handbook.