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Master of Arts in Development Studies is a post graduate degree program which offers an inter-disciplinary understanding of development processes and challenges with special reference to the developing world. This course takes an average of 2 years of full time study depending on the mode of study. The curriculum offers an analytic understanding of the concept of development and underdevelopment, poverty, inequality, globalization.
The entrance exams accepted for admission to the MA Development Studies program vary across universities but some major exams are: UGC-NET in Social Work/Economics/Political Science/Sociology, University entrance test which is followed by an interview/ group discussion round to test aptitude and subject knowledge, The TISSNET , JNUEE examinations might be considered.
| Course Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Master of Arts (MA) in Development Studies |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate percentage, typically around 50-60% or equivalent CGPA |
| Top Colleges | University of Sussex, UK; London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK; University of Cape Town, South Africa; Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi |
1. Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with least 50% marks from any university. People from arts stream, humanities, science, engineering background, management background.
2. Only final year students of bachelors programs will apply. Provisional admission will be granted until the final mark sheet is furnished.
3. No, there is no restriction of age limit on who can join the course. It is open to graduates as well as those in employment seeking for another degree or a change in the type of degree.
4. Apart from providing a written test, an interview round has to be cleared by the applicants in order to get admission in the institute of their choice.
5. Institutes may give preference or relaxation in the eligibility criteria for those who had experience in development sector.
6. As per Government rules there are concessions for the SC/ST and other reserved categories in terms of cut-off percentages.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Development Theories | Modernization theory, Dependency theory, World-systems theory |
| Economics of Development | Economic growth models, Poverty and inequality, Development policies |
| Political Economy of Development | State and development, Globalization and development, Political institutions in development |
| Gender and Development | Gender mainstreaming, Women's rights in development, Gender-sensitive policies |
| Environment and Development | Sustainable development goals, Climate change and development, Environmental policies |
| Research Methods in Development Studies | Qualitative and quantitative research methods, Fieldwork and data collection, Writing research proposals |
| Case Studies in Development | Case studies of development projects, Impact assessments, Lessons learned from successful and failed projects |
| Job Title | Specialization | Average Salary (₹ LPA) |
|---|---|---|
| Development Manager | Rural Development, Sustainable Development | 5.0 - 12.0 |
| Policy Analyst (Development) | Poverty Reduction, Social Policy | 4.5 - 8.0 |
| Program Manager (NGO/International Organization) | Education Development, Healthcare Development | 4.0 - 7.5 |
| Research Associate (Development) | Gender & Development, Climate Change & Development | 3.8 - 6.0 |
| Specialization | ||
| - Microfinance | Financial Inclusion, Livelihood Development | 4.2 - 7.0 |
| - Disaster Management | Risk Reduction, Humanitarian Response | 4.5 - 8.5 |
| - Urban Development | Slum Rehabilitation, Urban Governance | 5.0 - 9.0 |
| - Education Development | Access to Education, Quality of Education | 4.0 - 7.0 |
| - Health Development | Public Health Policy, Maternal Health | 4.5 - 8.0 |
