Development Studies - Where to study?

Development Studies at DU

Development studies is offered as a specialized Master's degree in a number of universities, and, less commonly, as an undergraduate degree. It has grown in popularity as a subject of study since the early 1990s, and has been most widely taught and researched in the third world and in countries with a colonial history, such as the UK, where development studies originated.

Students of development studies often choose careers in international organizations such as the United Nations or the World Bank, non-governmental organizations, private sector development consultancy firms, and research centers.

What is Development Studies?

Development Studies is the study of a multiple branch of social science with a particular focus on issues related to social and economic development. The subject also delves into international issues, politics, world conflict and the environment. However, from time to time the content of the discipline has changed to reflect new interests and trends in the sector, with topics covering a range of subjects, from economics and politics, to the environment, gender and anthropology.

Professor Mahbub Ullah, former chairman of the Development Studies department, said: "Development does not mean only economic development; rather it can also be cultural development and development in education. The main focus of Development Studies curriculum is sorting out the problem and coming up with solutions. That's why our slogan is - 'knowledge for development.'"

Why study this subject?

Bangladesh is eyeing to become a middle-income country by 2021, golden jubilee of independence. To that end, the nation's growth has to be advanced to a great extent. But this growth is not only economic growth. Growth in education, health, life style and human potential to the fullest is development in true sense.

Though the discipline is relatively new in Bangladesh it has soon grown into popularity because of huge career opportunities in national and international development organizations. Bangladesh is termed as a laboratory of development. To the outside world, the country's growth in the face of so many obstacles is a development puzzle and paradox. Bangladesh is also called the NGO capital of the world. Many development organizations work along with the government organizations in Bangladesh. That’s why Development Studies is a very relevant subject for the country. Especially it is now a demand of the time to devise a proper development policy for the country in the light of local and foreign development theories and examples. And the graduates of this discipline are the right persons to do the job.

Where to study

Among public universities, Development Studies is taught in Dhaka University, Khulna University and Khustia Islamic University. And among private Universities, Brac University, North South University, East West University, Independent University of Bangladesh and United International University offer degrees on Development Studies. Many other universities also offer the degree. Please search for the universities offering the degree here - Subject Search.

Dhaka University

Apart from four-year honours and two-year masters degree, Dhaka University Development Studies Department also offers M.phil, PHD, Graduate Diploma and a range of short courses.

To admit in masters of development studies applicant must have minimum 3 or 4 years' bachelor degree. Any applicant having a 4-year bachelor degree of engineering, MBBS, and BDS can also apply. Applicants have to go through a qualifying exam of 100 marks, which includes 25 marks on language and communication, 20 marks on GMAT question, 45 marks on writing skill, and 10 marks for Viva. And, students at graduation level are enrolled through KHA unit of the university admission test.

Admission open

Department of Development Studies of DU is now taking in application for admission into one-year Graduate Diploma in Development Studies (GDDS) program from 2013-2014 session. The program features are: total 30 credit hours, English is the medium of instruction and classes on Fridays and Saturdays.

Admission is open to individuals who have at least a Bachelor or Pass Course degree along with a master's degree from any recognized university. Candidates with third class in any exam are not eligible to apply. Admission materials should be collected and submitted between June 15th to July 20th on every working day by paying Taka 1000 at the office of the department. Written test for admission will be held on July 26th.

Contact: Department of Development Studies, 4th floor, Arts building, Dhaka University. Tel: 9661900 Ext 6791. Website: www.devstud-udhaka.ac.bd.শিক্ষা সংক্রান্ত খবরাখবর নিয়মিত পেতে রেজিস্ট্রেশন করুন অথবা Log In করুন।

Account Benefit
More detail about
Dhaka University