M.A. Development Studies
(School of Development Studies)

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters and a summer internship)
Total credits: 64
Medium of instruction: English

Reservation of seats: In accordance with Government of NCT of Delhi rules.

This two year MA programme in Development Studies will attempt to equip students with the ability to address the challenges of development and public policy as they affect developing societies.

It includes eleven taught courses - eight core courses and three elective courses of 4 credits each. The programme also includes research course work, research practicum, workshops, seminars and field-based activities.

This inter-disciplinary programme is based on the foundations provided by the disciplines of sociology, political science and economics and draws upon expertise from the discipline of social work, from rural management as well as practical learning from the civil services and non-government organizations. This programme will introduce students to the rich theoretical foundations of the debates on development and will be based on experiences from across developing countries, especially India. It is structured around a learning of development theory, an understanding of growth and development, and broad debates on the structures of political and economic arrangements epitomized by States, Markets and Society. It will attempt to develop an understanding of the debates and strategies around the two core sectors of Industry and Agriculture, as well as specific issues of Welfare and Human Development. An introduction to Indian Development thought, debates and experience will provide students grounding in the realpolitik of policy formulation. The practical issues of policy making will be debated with reference to institutions and public policy processes which will be followed by a core course on the important issue of environment and development. Issues related to gender, class, caste and religious discrimination, poverty, equality, discrimination and marginalization, as they affect the majority in developing societies will be underlined in each of the courses. In addition a wide range of electives will cater to individual interest and specialized learning.

A strong component on research methodology will be supplemented with participatory rural appraisal methods, an understanding of log frames, as well as the basics of organization and project management. Dedicated workshops on policy analysis from experts in the field will enhance classroom and practical learning. The programme will focus on analytical skills, oral and written communication, as well as provide tools based on research methodology for social sciences and wider development practice. The curriculum combines innovative classroom learning with seminars, group work, projects, and a compulsory internship leading to a dissertation. More than 30 percent of the learning is structured outside the formal classroom process.

It is expected that graduates from this programme will be equipped to work in development organizations, government agencies, corporations and financial institutions, non-government organizations, consultancy firms, civil society initiatives, media, as well as academia. In order to continuously provide the best in the discipline, the course committee will institutionalize mechanisms for collecting feedback on the curriculum from experts in this field as well as from potential employers.