M.A. Environment and Development
(School of Human Ecology)

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters and a summer)
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 Environment and Development will attempt to equip students to address the challenges related to the environment as it centrally impacts our approach towards development. It includes eleven taught courses: nine core courses and two elective courses of 4 credits each. The programme also includes research course work, research practicum, workshops, seminars and field-based activities.

This is an interdisciplinary programme that is based on social sciences but will provide the students with a perspective based on an informed understanding of the natural sciences. It is an interdisciplinary programme that gives a firm grounding based on knowledge from the sciences and a rigorous understanding of the debates both in social sciences as well as from the world of practice. This course will introduce students to the various concepts, issues and debates on environment and development. The core courses will include an understanding of Ecology, Ecosystems and Biodiversity; Development and Ecological Thought: A Historical Perspective; Political and Social Thought on Environment; Environmental Policy, Law and Governance; Contemporary Environmental Challenges including Global Warming; Environmental and Ecological Economics; Environmental Impact Assessment; Systems Analysis and Ecological Modelling; and Human Ecology and the Urban Environment. In addition, a wide range of electives will cater to individual interests and specialized learning under the sub-themes of Natural Resource Management; Politics, Poverty and the Environment; and Environmental Management.

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.