MA in Development Studies
Kimmage Development Studies Centre

This 14 month programme is designed specifically for participants who hold a good Primary Degree or a post graduate diploma in a related area of study from a recognised institute. The MA programme is aimed at leaders, facilitators and managers of local community development and staff of development agencies in Ireland and countries of the South. It may also appeal to academics engaged in teaching and research in development. Some vacancies exist for post graduate level students interested in pursuing a career in some aspect of development work either in Ireland or abroad. The MA programme offers courses in the following study areas: - Political Economy of Development (includes Development Economics, Political Studies and Environment and Development). The aim of this subject is to provide participants with an introduction to economic and political theories and practices, and to examine how these relate to local, national and global development, with particular reference to sustainable development. - Planning for Development (includes Project Planning and Management, Gender and Development and Leadership). This subject aims to provide participants with conceptual and practical tools pertinent to planning for development, including those of gender analyses and leadership approaches. - Social and Cultural Change (includes Sociology of Development and Cultural Anthropology). The aim of this subject is to engage participants in critical analysis of the social and cultural aspects of change and development. - Adult and Group Development (includes Group Facilitation Skills, Adult Education and Human Development Theories). The aim of this subject area is to build the capacity of participants in terms of working in groups, personal awareness, inter-personal communication, and appreciating different approaches towards the education of adults and of their own learning. - Research Methodologies This subject provides an integrated training in research methods with a strong emphasis on the use of appropriate qualitative approaches and methods and the ability to complete applied research within the students' chosen specialist area. - Electives Students choose one course from a choice of elective courses. In recent years these have included: Political and Economic Policy Analysis; Ethics of Development; Participatory Planning Tools; Sustainable Livelihoods; Emergency Relief; Human Rights and Development Specialist Seminar This subject offers a forum for more specialist analysis of changing trends and perspectives in a particular strand of development work. Students are required to submit a final dissertation of 20,000 - 25,000 words, within the time allocated

Type of course
Postgraduate taught course

Entry requirements
Higher Honours Degree or Post Graduate Diploma in a related academic discipline, work experience and high standard of English language proficiency

Start and finish dates
Commences September and runs until November of following year

Average student numbers
25

http://www.dsckim.ie