Development Communication

What does a development communication practitioner do?

Development communication refers to empowerment and development, mostly in a community context. A communication practitioner who specialises in development communication must be able to develop strategies to communicate with and on behalf of non-government organisations (including communities), the private sector and the government with the aim of empowering and mobilising societies for social change. This person specialises in strategic communication in a development context, keeping the uniqueness and challenges of this context in mind.

Where can you work?

A specialist in development communication can work for corporate organisations, especially in managing communication in the context of corporate social responsibility initiatives. This person can also work for non-profit organisations that focus on empowerment and social change or can work for the government as communication practitioner in development initiatives. Since South Africa is a developing country in which development contexts should be considered when communication strategies are planned, there is also the opportunity to work as a communication consultant for social change either in an existing business or by starting your own.

Why study development communication at the NWU?

We have an established Development Communication programme with lecturers who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about this field of communication. Our programme has a unique focus in that we study development communication both from a societal and a corporate perspective.
 
This degree is offered in Potchefstroom (PC).
 

Selection criteria

Specific admission requirements apply for all honours programmes in Communication:
 
  • A three-year degree in Communication with an average pass rate of 60% for the core modules in Communication on third-year level. 
  • All applicants are screened before admission.
  • Admission to the specialisation fields of Journalism and Media Studies, Advanced Corporate Communication, and Development Communication is subject to screening according to the criteria stated in the student guide.
  • An average of at least 60% for the Communication Theory module (new COMS311 – old KCOM218), as well as in the Communication Research module (new COMS322 – old KCOM311) or equivalent modules.
  • Additional admission requirements apply for each programme.
  • An average of at least 60% for the Communication Theory module (new COMS311 – old KCOM218), as well as in the Communication Research module (new COMS322 – old KCOM311) or equivalent modules
  • Additional admission requirements apply for each programme.
  • Development Communication students are required to pass the following modules: COMS212, COMS225 and KCOM318 (P/M). Students are advised to also take COMS225.
Please refer to the yearbook for more information.