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M-A in Developmental Studies at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Kamrup, Assam
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About the Specialization
What is Developmental Studies at Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati Kamrup?
This Developmental Studies program at IIT Guwahati focuses on a multidisciplinary understanding of development challenges and opportunities in various global and local contexts. The program integrates perspectives from economics, sociology, political science, history, and anthropology to analyze issues like poverty, inequality, public policy, and sustainability. It prepares students for a diverse range of roles in government, NGOs, research, and international organizations, addressing India’s specific developmental needs and contributing to broader societal progress.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for recent graduates from any discipline seeking to delve into social impact and policy-making. It also caters to early to mid-career professionals in the social sector, public administration, or corporate social responsibility (CSR) roles looking to enhance their analytical and research skills. Individuals passionate about addressing complex societal issues, contributing to sustainable development in India, and pursuing research-oriented careers will find this program highly rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers in policy analysis, program management, social research, advocacy, and monitoring and evaluation. In India, opportunities abound in government schemes, NGOs, international development agencies, corporate foundations, and social enterprises, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 4-7 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The rigorous analytical training also provides a strong foundation for higher academic pursuits like PhDs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Interdisciplinary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with foundational courses in economics, sociology, and statistics. Focus on understanding core theories of development, poverty, and governance, as these will be critical for advanced studies. Participate in reading groups and departmental seminars to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Core course textbooks, IITG Library resources, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
A robust foundation ensures analytical rigor for future research and policy roles, enabling effective understanding of complex development problems.
Master Research Methodology and Statistical Tools- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to research methodology and statistics courses. Practice data analysis using software like R or Stata, even if not explicitly taught in all courses. Seek opportunities to assist faculty with minor research projects to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R/Stata tutorials, Online datasets like NSSO/NFHS, Faculty research projects
Career Connection
Proficiency in research and statistical analysis is highly valued in development sector jobs, especially for monitoring, evaluation, and policy research roles.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Academic Writing- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with diverse development theories and policies, questioning assumptions and exploring alternative perspectives. Prioritize developing strong academic writing skills through essay assignments and peer review, leveraging the ''''Research Writing'''' course effectively.
Tools & Resources
Writing center support, Peer feedback sessions, Academic journals
Career Connection
Excellent critical thinking and clear communication are essential for policy formulation, advocacy, and effective research dissemination in professional settings.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake Fieldwork or Internship for Practical Exposure- (Semester 3 (during breaks or as elective))
Actively seek and participate in field studies or internships with NGOs, government agencies, or research organizations during semester breaks or as part of elective courses (like HS 523). This helps apply theoretical knowledge to real-world development challenges in India.
Tools & Resources
IITG Career Development Centre, Networking with faculty/alumni, Online internship platforms
Career Connection
Practical experience is crucial for understanding ground realities, building professional networks, and securing placements in the competitive development sector.
Specialize through Electives and Interdisciplinary Learning- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose elective courses that align with specific areas of interest within developmental studies (e.g., gender, environment, urban development). Explore interdisciplinary courses offered by other departments to broaden your expertise and perspective.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Departmental advisors, IITG academic catalogue
Career Connection
Specialization enhances your profile for targeted roles in specific sub-sectors of development, making you a more valuable candidate for niche positions.
Engage in Policy Debates and Current Affairs- (Semester 3)
Stay updated with current national and international development policies, challenges, and debates. Participate in discussions, workshops, and student clubs related to policy, economics, and social justice to sharpen your understanding and express informed opinions.
Tools & Resources
Reputable news sources (e.g., The Hindu, Livemint), Policy briefs, Development sector forums
Career Connection
Being well-versed in contemporary issues is vital for policy analysis, advocacy, and demonstrating relevance to potential employers in the development field.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Dissertation Research and Presentation- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your Master''''s dissertation (HS 600). Choose a research topic that is relevant, impactful, and ideally aligns with your career aspirations. Work closely with your supervisor and present your findings effectively.
Tools & Resources
Research databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Academic writing software, Presentation tools
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates advanced research capabilities, a deep understanding of a specific area, and can serve as a key portfolio piece for academic or research-oriented careers.
Network Strategically and Attend Career Fairs- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, faculty, and professionals in the development sector. Attend career fairs, webinars, and workshops organized by the IITG Career Development Centre to explore job opportunities and gain insights into various roles and organizations.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni network events, IITG Career Development Centre
Career Connection
Networking is paramount for discovering hidden job markets, gaining referrals, and understanding employer expectations, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Develop Soft Skills for Leadership and Advocacy- (Semester 4)
Participate in group projects, presentations, and leadership roles within student bodies to hone communication, teamwork, and leadership skills. These soft skills are crucial for working effectively in multi-stakeholder development environments and for advocacy roles.
Tools & Resources
Workshop on public speaking, Group project opportunities, Student club leadership
Career Connection
Strong soft skills, particularly communication and leadership, are essential for career progression in development, enabling you to lead teams and advocate for change effectively.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences, Commerce, etc.) from any recognized University / Institute with a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CPI on a 10-point scale (55% or 6.0 CPI for SC/ST/PwD candidates). Final year students who are yet to get their results can also apply, provided they fulfill the criteria at the time of admission. Applicants must also qualify through a Common Entrance Examination (CEE) for MA in Developmental Studies followed by a personal interview.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 65 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 401 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Scientific research process, Research design strategies, Data collection methods, Qualitative research approaches, Quantitative analysis techniques, Academic report writing |
| HS 402 | Theory of Development | Core | 3 | Classical development theories, Modernization paradigm, Dependency and world-systems theories, Post-development critiques, Human development approach, Sustainable development concepts |
| HS 403 | Poverty, Inequality and Vulnerability | Core | 3 | Conceptualizing poverty and its measurement, Analyzing inequality metrics, Dimensions of vulnerability, Causes and consequences of poverty, Policy interventions for poverty reduction, Social protection programs |
| HS 404 | Social and Political Development | Core | 3 | Role of state and institutions, Democracy and governance, Political economy of development, Social movements and collective action, Conflict, violence, and peacebuilding, Identity politics and development |
| HS 405 | Statistics for Social Sciences | Core | 3 | Descriptive statistics and data visualization, Probability and sampling distributions, Hypothesis testing and inference, Correlation and regression analysis, Chi-square test and ANOVA, Introduction to statistical software |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 406 | Economics of Development | Core | 3 | Theories of economic growth, Development models, Poverty traps and inequality, Role of institutions in development, Microfinance and behavioral economics, Globalisation and trade |
| HS 407 | Public Policy and Governance | Core | 3 | Public policy process, Governance and state capacity, Decentralization and local governance, Participatory development models, Corruption and accountability, E-governance and service delivery |
| HS 408 | Gender and Development | Core | 3 | Concepts of gender and patriarchy, Feminist theories of development, Gender mainstreaming strategies, Women''''s empowerment initiatives, Gender-based violence and policy, Gender, health and education |
| HS 409 | Environment and Development | Core | 3 | Sustainable development paradigm, Environmental justice and ethics, Climate change impacts and adaptation, Natural resource management, Green economy and circular economy, Conservation and biodiversity |
| HS 410 | Ethics and Human Rights | Core | 3 | Foundations of ethical theories, International human rights framework, Justice, equity and responsibility, Development ethics dilemmas, Rights-based approaches to development, Corporate social responsibility |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 501 | Urban and Rural Development | Core | 3 | Theories of urbanization, Rural transformation processes, Migration patterns and implications, Regional planning and development, Smart cities and sustainable urbanism, Rural livelihoods and policies |
| HS 502 | Health and Development | Core | 3 | Public health systems in India, Health indicators and disease burden, Health policy and planning, Nutrition, food security and development, Global health challenges, Maternal and child health |
| HS 503 | Research Writing | Core | 2 | Academic writing principles, Crafting literature reviews, Structuring research proposals, Referencing and citation styles, Avoiding plagiarism and ethical guidelines, Presenting research findings |
| HS 504 | Globalisation and Development | Core | 3 | Theories of globalization, International trade and investment, Role of multilateral institutions, Foreign aid and debt crisis, Transnational corporations impact, Global value chains |
| HS 505 | Social Demography | Elective | 3 | Population dynamics and theories, Fertility, mortality, and migration, Age and sex structures, Demographic transition model, Population policies and health, Demographic dividend in India |
| HS 506 | Social Movements | Elective | 3 | Theories of social movements, Collective action and mobilization, Types of movements in India, Role of leadership and ideology, Impact of social movements on policy, New social movements |
| HS 507 | Philosophy of Social Sciences | Elective | 3 | Epistemology in social science, Ontological debates, Positivism and interpretivism, Causation and explanation, Objectivity and values in research, Critiques of social science |
| HS 508 | Disaster Management | Elective | 3 | Concepts of disaster and vulnerability, Disaster risk reduction strategies, Early warning systems, Emergency preparedness and response, Rehabilitation and reconstruction, Role of institutions in disaster management |
| HS 509 | Agrarian Studies | Elective | 3 | Agrarian social structure in India, Land reforms and land tenure systems, Agricultural policies and challenges, Rural livelihoods and indebtedness, Food security and peasant movements, Climate change and agriculture |
| HS 510 | Education and Development | Elective | 3 | Role of education in development, Education policies in India, Access, equity, and quality in education, Literacy and vocational training, Digital education and technology, Higher education and human capital |
| HS 511 | Land and Development | Elective | 3 | Land ownership and tenure systems, Land acquisition and displacement, Land use planning and policies, Common property resources, Urban land markets, Forest rights and indigenous communities |
| HS 512 | Law and Development | Elective | 3 | Rule of law and governance, Legal frameworks for development, Access to justice, Human rights law, Environmental law, International law and development |
| HS 513 | Development Communication | Elective | 3 | Theories of communication for development, Role of media in social change, Participatory communication approaches, Health and environmental communication, Digital media and civic engagement, Campaigns for social awareness |
| HS 514 | Media and Culture | Elective | 3 | Theories of media and culture, Representation in media, Cultural industries and globalization, Popular culture and identity, New media and social change, Media ethics and regulation |
| HS 515 | Political Economy of India | Elective | 3 | Colonial legacy and economic nationalism, Planning era and state intervention, Economic reforms and liberalization, Agriculture, industry, and services, Informal sector and labor market, Globalisation and India''''s position |
| HS 516 | Contemporary Indian Society | Elective | 3 | Caste, class, and gender dynamics, Religion, secularism, and communalism, Social stratification and mobility, Family, kinship, and marriage, Rural-urban divide, Youth culture and social change |
| HS 517 | Science, Technology and Society | Elective | 3 | Social construction of technology, Ethical dimensions of science, Technology assessment, Innovation and development, Digital divide and access, Biotechnology and society |
| HS 518 | Human Geography | Elective | 3 | Spatial organization of society, Population geography, Cultural geography, Political geography, Urban and regional geography, Geopolitics and resources |
| HS 519 | Public Economics | Elective | 3 | Market failures and public goods, Externalities and their remedies, Taxation principles and systems, Public expenditure analysis, Fiscal policy and debt, Welfare economics |
| HS 520 | Environmental Economics | Elective | 3 | Environmental valuation methods, Cost-benefit analysis of projects, Pollution control policies, Resource economics, Climate change economics, Sustainable consumption and production |
| HS 521 | Conflict and Peace Studies | Elective | 3 | Theories of conflict and violence, Conflict resolution and transformation, Peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction, Human security concept, Role of international organizations, Gandhian approaches to peace |
| HS 522 | Human Rights and Justice | Elective | 3 | Conceptual foundations of human rights, International human rights law, Justice theories and social justice, Rights of vulnerable groups, Human rights institutions in India, Transitional justice |
| HS 523 | Field Work/Internship | Elective | 3 | Field observation techniques, Data collection in real-world settings, Community engagement strategies, Report writing from field data, Application of theoretical knowledge, Ethical considerations in field research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 600 | Dissertation | Core | 12 | Developing a comprehensive research proposal, Conducting a thorough literature review, Designing and executing independent research, Data analysis and interpretation techniques, Thesis writing and academic argumentation, Oral defense and presentation skills |
| HS 5XX | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Students choose one elective from the list offered in Semester 3 (HS 505-523), subject to availability., Advanced studies in a specialized development area, In-depth policy analysis of chosen topic, Interdisciplinary perspectives on complex issues, Application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems, Deepening research interests in a specific sub-field |
| HS 5XX | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Students choose one elective from the list offered in Semester 3 (HS 505-523), subject to availability., Advanced studies in a specialized development area, In-depth policy analysis of chosen topic, Interdisciplinary perspectives on complex issues, Application of theoretical knowledge to practical problems, Deepening research interests in a specific sub-field |
