M.A. in Development
The M.A. Development Programme offers a deep understanding of
development and social change and enables you to develop capabilities for
action.
After successful completion of the programme, you can look forward to a
variety of roles such as Program Associates/Managers, Domain Specialists,
Researchers and other exciting roles in organisations working in the domains
of livelihoods, sustainability, public health, social entrepreneurship, financial
inclusion, advocacy, etc. About 90 organisations visit the campus every year
for recruitment. Our alumni are working in established organisations like
PRADAN, Foundation for Ecological Security, Gram Vikas, BAIF, State
Livelihood Missions, Kudumbashree, among others.
The M.A. Development requires full-time engagement for two academic years, including one
summer and one winter break. The curriculum is broad-based and encompasses theory, practice
and research relating to development.
- In the first year, students study eight core courses which help provide a foundational
understanding of ‘development’ in the Indian context. During the first semester, students go
on a two-week ‘Field Immersion’ where they live in a rural area to observe and learn about
ground realities.
- In the summer break between first and second year, the students are expected to do a
guided field internship for six weeks. This internship helps students understand the nature of
development actions on the ground, their objectives and challenges.
- In the second year of study, students choose courses from a wide range of electives.
Students interested in focusing on specific domains can select from a set of ‘concentrations’
available. Concentration refer to a set of four elective courses, which together cover a specific
development theme/topic/domain in a focused and well-rounded manner.
- During the winter break in the second year, students are expected to complete a field project
on a topic of their interest. The field project is designed under the guidance of a faculty
mentor, but conducted by the student independently in the field.
Core Courses: The core courses will set the context and build foundational understanding and
appreciation of key developmental concepts, theories and methods as relevant to examining the
Indian development experiences. These courses are expected to provide adequate knowledge,
competencies and orientations to embark on a deeper exploration of specific themes and
practices in development. These courses are mandatory for all students.
Electives: Elective courses will build upon the concepts, ideas, theories and methods learnt in
the core courses to deepen and broaden the understanding about a wide variety of specific,
topical and relevant local and global development issues. Elective courses will enhance two
broad competencies, namely critical analysis and imaginative practice. These electives cover a
range of topics – Gender, technology, public health, Sustainability, Globalization, Policy and
Programmes, Poverty, Water etc. Typically, 50-60 electives are on offer each year.
Click here for a glimpse of Electives offered in the 2 nd year of study.
Concentrations: Within the wide range of electives, the M.A. Development Programme offers students a choice to opt
for concentrations. A concentration refers to a set of four elective courses totaling 12 credits,
which together cover a specific development theme/topic/domain in a focused and comprehensive manner.
Illustrations of concentrations could include Work and labour in contemporary India, Food and Nutrition
in Development, Social Sector Organizations: Forms and Actions, Sustainability for development practice,
Gender and development etc. Concentrations will be offered on a year to year basis, depending on students’ interest,
topicality of the issues and faculty availability.
A student can choose more than one concentration across the two semesters.Click here to know more.
Open Courses: These courses allow students to explore the arts, culture, the sciences and
other subjects of interest. Students are required to enroll in two courses from a wide range of
subjects such as literature, art, cinema, epics, science, history, dance etc. based on their
interest. About 10- 15 open courses are offered each semester.
Field Practice: Field Practice refers to multiple field engagements over two years which expose
students to people’s lives in diverse social, economic and cultural contexts. Field Practice will
complement the students’ learning in the class room and offer opportunities for experiencing
diverse kinds of development action spaces as sites of knowledge, experience and imagination.
Click here to download Field Practice Brochure
Course and Credit Structure
* Students can opt for a Course of Independent study (CIS) in place of an Elective.
Click here for a glimpse of Electives offered in the 2 nd year of study.
