Master in Development Studies (MDS)

Short Description
Two-year interdisciplinary program combining development theory, public policy, economics, governance, environment, research, and applied project work to understand and manage socio-economic change in communities and nations.

Description
Structured across four semesters (60 credits). Program blends conceptual foundations of development with real-world analytical tools. Focus areas include development theory, economics, policy, planning, community governance, climate change, agrarian systems, gender, resource conflict, regional politics, and project management. Strong emphasis on research: dual-stage research methods training and a 12-credit thesis. Suitable for individuals seeking careers in development practice, planning, policy, NGOs, INGOs, and research institutions.

Curricular Structure (Table)

Features
• Strong theoretical grounding across economics, sociology, governance, environment, gender and policy.
• Two-stage research methodology training plus a 12-credit thesis.
• Applied components: project design, project management, case reviews and community-governance analysis.
• Focus on development actors, social change processes and livelihood systems.
• Multi-disciplinary orientation linking law, public administration, political science, economics, anthropology, and geography.
• Career-aligned curriculum for development practice and policy roles.

Eligibility
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Humanities, Management, Engineering or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Entrance examination and viva voce required

• Job Prospects
  • Development analyst
  • Policy and planning officer
  • Project designer/evaluator
  • Community development specialist
  • Research officer
  • Livelihoods and poverty analyst
  • NGO/INGO program officer
  • Governance and social inclusion practitioner
  • Environment and climate-change program staff