MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNITY SYSTEMS MODELS AND DEVELOPMENT (MCSMD)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
MCSMD503	Community Development Theories & Frameworks	Community development is a critical field aimed at empowering individuals, groups, and communities to improve their social, economic, and cultural well-being. This module provides a theoretical foundation and practical tools for understanding the dynamics of community development, focusing on theories, frameworks, and strategies essential for fostering sustainable innovative change.
MCSMD505	Community Resilience Building and Practice	Zimbabwe needs experts who can advise and research on, and recommend less welfare based social innovations like universal Food Aid. Development failure currently characterising most communities is largely blamed on welfare-based approaches which have underlined most donor driven initiatives in Africa and abroad. Quickly catching the attention of governments and donors alike is the need to embrace resilience as part of community development practice, particularly in the face of pandemics; collapse of community infrastructure and a myriad of other environmental and social challenges. The Community Resilience Building and Practice module places at its core the Resilience Building Framework. Key concepts covered by the course include resilience competencies and parties: (Adaptive; Absorptive and Transformative); Crisis Modifiers; Early Warning Systems; Inclusivity; Hazards; Indicators; capacity building. Also exposed to students will be international frameworks for resilience building, especially those aimed at making communities more resilient to both natural and human-driven disasters. By the end of the course, the students will have a better understanding of the community Resilience Building Framework and are better equipped to apply in community development practice (planning and action). The course module is applied, interactive and empirical, and consists of both lectures, seminars and projects
MSSRM501	Advanced Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	The module aims to provide advanced skills in research methods for graduate students. It enhances postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills for conducting, analysing and interpreting research in the field of sociology, anthropology and gender studies. The module focuses upon both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the knowledge gained, will be useful for conducting research and as tools for professional practice. The module will also equip learners with the use of digital technologies in data collection, processing, analysis and management.
MIDSB501	Information Digital Skills for Postgraduates (University Wide Module) Systems Thinking and Modelling	Systems Thinking and Modelling is an approach to community development that views communities as complex, dynamic systems. This perspective recognizes that communities are made up of interconnected elements - such as people, organizations, infrastructure, and resources - that influence each other in non-linear ways. This module explores different models and approaches used to understand and analyze community systems. It covers systems thinking, social network analysis, ecological models, and other relevant frameworks for understanding community dynamics. The models help stakeholders better understand system dynamics, test intervention scenarios, and collaboratively develop strategies for community transformation. The key principles of systems thinking in community development include holistic perspectives, feedback loops, leverage points and emergence. Students in Systems Thinking and Modelling for community development will be equipped to contribute to more holistic, adaptive, and impactful community initiatives that address complex challenges and foster sustainable change.
MCSMD511	Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation	The course will introduce students to project monitoring and evaluation focusing on definitions, rationale, effectiveness and efficiency. Student will explore the importance of formative, ongoing and summative evaluation of projects. At the end of the course students shall be able to design monitoring and evaluation systems. Students will also be able to design and evaluation study, undertake necessary inquiry and do appropriate write up.
MCSMD512	Information and Communication Technology for Development	In the contemporary world Digital tools and platforms for community engagement and collaboration Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D) are key. The course covers but not limited to introduction to ICT4D, digital divide and digital inclusion, ICT applications in community development, community-based designing and co-creation, data visualization and dashboard development, geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis and social media and online community mobilization. The course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking capabilities to leverage information and communication technologies as catalysts for inclusive, sustainable, and impactful community development.
MCSMD510	Policy Analysis and Advocacy	This module explores the role of policy particularly, social and economic policies in community development. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to critically examine public policies, identify their impacts on communities, and effectively advocate for policy changes that address community needs and priorities. It entails examining policy frameworks, advocacy strategies, and ethical considerations, equipping students with the knowledge to navigate the political landscape and drive positive change. The course produce students that are prepared to leverage policy analysis and advocacy as powerful tools to address systemic barriers, influence decision-makers, and drive positive community-level change.
MCSMD514	Transformative Resource Mobilization	Is a strategic approach to securing and leveraging financial and non-financial resources to drive meaningful and sustainable change within a community or organization. The module introduces transformative resource mobilization, assessment of community assets and needs, diversified funding sources, organizational development and cultivating multi-stakeholder partnerships. The course provides students with an opportunity to engage in case studies, interactive workshops, and hands-on exercises to apply the principles of transformative resource mobilization in their own community development initiatives. They become expert community development practitioners with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools to unlock diverse, sustainable, and community-driven resources to drive transformative change.
MCSMD570	Dissertation	A dissertation between 20000– 25000 words within six months is compulsory. The dissertation shall be submitted at the end of 18 months or the third semester. Topics for the dissertation will be organised around various thematic areas and should respond to current problems facing the nation.