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.
The selection process for Master of Arts in Education / Development / Public Policy & governance includes National Entrance Test and Personal interview.
Step 1: National Entrance Test
National Entrance Test Structure
Part |
Section |
No of questions |
Question type |
Time |
Part 1 Common for M.A. Education, Development, Public Policy & Governance and LL.M. programmes |
Reading Comprehension |
25 |
Multiple choice |
2 hours |
Reasoning Ability |
10 |
Multiple choice |
Quantitative Ability |
25 |
Multiple choice |
General & Social Awareness |
20 |
Multiple choice |
Total Questions |
80 |
Multiple choice |
Part 2 |
Essay |
1 |
Essay (500 words) based on the First Programme Preference |
1 hour |
Step 2. Personal Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for a personal interview.
Our faculty members will interact with the candidates to understand their
motivation to pursue postgraduate programmes at Azim Premji University.
Past question papers
Timelines
Important Dates
Admission process
|
Working Professional Round
|
Regular Round
|
Last date to apply
|
25th Dec 2020
|
27th Feb 2021
|
Entrance test date
|
10th Jan 2021
|
21st Mar 2021
|
Interview process
|
6th Feb - 10 Feb 2021
|
19th Apr 2021 -10th May 2021
|
Interview results
|
Last week of Feb 2021
|
Last week of May 2021
|
Academic session starts
|
Mid of Aug 2021
|
Mid of Aug 2021
|
Note: The dates mentioned are Tentative.
Eligibility
Master of Arts in Education / Development / Public Policy & governance
-
Bachelor's Degree in any discipline (including Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities,
Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Commerce, Management, etc.) from a recognized University.
-
Undergraduate students who are appearing for their final year examinations and completing their graduation on or before September 2020 are also eligible to apply.
The offer of provisional admission is valid only on successful completion of graduation.
Candidates with work experience are actively encouraged to apply.