Development Studies Programme

A leading inter-disciplinary postgraduate programme in development studies is currently on offer. The programme is social sciences orientated and specializes in health, labour, gender and rural development. The programme is appropriate for students keen to pursue a career in policy research and in the local and international development organizations. Students will be able to draw upon a vast range of local and international academic expertise in a range of disciplines within the School of Social Sciences and in Economics as they critically engage in current local, national and international debates in Development Studies while promoting professional skills in these fields.

The Development Studies Programme is made up of Honours, Masters by coursework, Research Masters and PhD. Students draw upon local and international expertise in a range of disciplines. The student body is cosmopolitan and admission is highly competitive.  Students with practical experience in the world of development are especially welcomed.  The Programme has grown steadily since its inception in 2001. On average it is estimated that about a third of the student cohort is non-South African. Topics of student research are mainly focused on studies within Africa. 

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