Development encompasses the establishment of social conditions that foster individual and collective well-being in a sustainable and equitable manner. Yet, the path to development has seen numerous debates and changes across various time periods and locations, involving shifts in concepts, theories, and practical approaches. Resolving development issues necessitates a holistic grasp of the moral and ethical underpinnings of development and its implementation, considering the specific real-world contexts.

At Azim Premji University, we envision a world that is just, equitable, humane and sustainable while acknowledging that the realm of development is animated by conflicting imaginations. We view ​‘development’ as a process as much as an outcome and realise that achieving such an aim requires engagement with multiple stakeholders such as the market, state, civil society and communities to find inclusive pathways, especially for the most marginalised and vulnerable communities.

Who should join us ?

At Azim Premji University, join us if you would like to

• develop a historically and socially grounded understanding of India’s development journey through multiple lenses.

• analyse the different approaches and modalities of development action by various actors (state, market, civil society, community).

• conceptualise possibilities for constructive action grounded in ethical sensibilities.

• apply relevant competencies to address current and emerging development challenges in India.

Why study with us?

The MA Development programme at Azim Premji University is unique as it adopts a critical inquiry towards development while being grounded in empirical complexities.

While the core courses in the programme provide a rigorous disciplinary grounding in the epistemologies and methods of social sciences, the mandatory set of field practice components provide a robust exposure to experiential learning on the ground. The programme consciously adopts a normative compass in approaching the question of development itself.

At Azim Premji University, we offer

• high quality, rigorous programmes that prepare you for different kinds of careers in the social sector.

• a robust and extensive experiential learning through multiple field practice components.

• a diverse pool of faculty with academic and practice-based expertise in a wide range of thematic areas and geographies.

• an opportunity to engage with the Social Enterprise Cell, Community Engagement interventions in neighbouring areas, sustainable gardening, and many other student clubs and activities.

• a collaborative learning environment.

• a vibrant, diverse and inclusive community.

• student support systems at various levels, including academic and co-academic mentoring by faculty.

Classroom Practices

The classroom practices in the MA Development programme entail a mix of lectures, class discussions, peer learning, use of audio-visual materials, films, worksheets, field practicums and case studies to make complex concepts and ideas accessible to students from diverse academic and socio-economic backgrounds.

The courses aim to engage with plural perspectives on development issues, and bridge learning from both theory and practice. Many courses include guest lectures by invited speakers while some courses are taught by experienced practitioners to bring rich, contemporary insights from the world of practice.

Group work is given particular emphasis in the programme, given the centrality of collective learning and action in the social sector.

Elective courses offered in the workshop mode use hands-on pedagogies for building skills for development action. Several courses offer students opportunities to design and pilot ideas, such as those related to social entrepreneurship. The Winter Field Projects offer students an opportunity to conceptualise, design and implement an 8‑week field project, under faculty guidance.

Faculty members constantly invest in developing new and innovative pedagogical approaches to aid student learning. 

For instance, Janata Express, a day-long simulation-based workshop has been designed for students to experience and understand the community’s worldview through their lenses. 

Surveypura, another interesting tool, brings a simulated village into the classroom for students to learn quantitative research in a fun and interactive way.

All faculty members teaching in the programme offer students additional support during office hours. The programme offers academic accommodations to students with certain kinds of disabilities, in line with University policies.