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.

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.

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