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MA in Development Studies at University of Calicut
Malappuram, Kerala
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About the Specialization
What is Development Studies at University of Calicut Malappuram?
This MA Development Studies program at the University of Calicut focuses on understanding the complex socio-economic, political, and environmental issues confronting developing nations, with a particular emphasis on India. The curriculum integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from economics, sociology, political science, and environmental studies to analyze challenges like poverty, inequality, and sustainable development. This program is distinct in its regional focus while also addressing global development frameworks, preparing students for impactful careers.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates from diverse academic backgrounds like economics, sociology, political science, and humanities who possess a keen interest in social change and policy. It also caters to working professionals in NGOs, government agencies, or CSR departments seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding and practical skills in development work. Aspiring researchers, policy analysts, and project managers committed to addressing India''''s pressing development challenges will find this course highly beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding career paths in India as development consultants, program officers for NGOs, policy analysts in government and think tanks, and researchers. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing to INR 8-15 LPA with experience in established organizations. The program''''s interdisciplinary approach fosters analytical and problem-solving skills, crucial for navigating complex development landscapes and contributing to India''''s inclusive growth agenda.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Interdisciplinary Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with core subjects like Development Economics, Research Methodology, and Environmental Studies. Focus on understanding the conceptual linkages between different disciplines (economics, sociology, environment) as Development Studies is inherently interdisciplinary. Participate in departmental seminars and discussions to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
University library resources, Academic journals (e.g., Economic and Political Weekly), Online MOOCs on foundational social sciences, Study groups with peers
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is crucial for understanding policy frameworks and designing effective interventions in the development sector. It helps in analytical roles in research and policy.
Develop Robust Research Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay special attention to ''''Research Methodology in Development Studies'''' and ''''Quantitative Methods''''. Practice survey design, data collection techniques, and basic statistical analysis using software. Begin identifying potential areas of interest for your dissertation early on by reading current literature.
Tools & Resources
SPSS/R tutorials, NPTEL courses on research methods, University''''s research guidance cell, Statistical analysis software
Career Connection
Strong research skills are highly valued in research organizations, policy think tanks, and program evaluation roles, allowing graduates to contribute to evidence-based decision-making.
Engage with Kerala''''s Development Context- (Semester 1-2)
Leverage the ''''Development Issues in Kerala'''' course and the university''''s location to understand local development challenges and successes. Participate in local field visits, attend talks by local governance experts, and volunteer with community organizations to gain practical insights into the ''''Kerala Model''''.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, Panchayati Raj institutions, Kerala government development reports, Local news and policy discussions
Career Connection
Understanding regional development models and challenges is highly beneficial for careers in local governance, state-level policy implementation, and grassroots development initiatives in India.
Intermediate Stage
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Dissertation- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose electives that align with your career interests (e.g., Agrarian Development, Globalization, Social Demography). For your dissertation, select a topic of genuine interest and ensure rigorous methodology, aiming for a high-quality research output that showcases your expertise.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Advanced statistical software, Online research databases (JSTOR, Scopus), Professional writing guides
Career Connection
Specialization helps in targeting specific niches within the development sector. A well-executed dissertation serves as a strong portfolio piece for research and policy roles, demonstrating analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Seek Practical Exposure and Networking- (Semester 3-4)
Actively pursue internships with development organizations, NGOs, or government agencies during semester breaks or alongside studies. Attend workshops, conferences, and networking events (online and offline) to connect with professionals and gain insights into current development practices and job opportunities in India.
Tools & Resources
University career services, LinkedIn, NGO job portals (DevNetJobs, Idealist), Industry specific events
Career Connection
Internships provide invaluable hands-on experience and a foot-in-the-door for placements. Networking is crucial for discovering hidden job markets and building professional relationships essential for career growth in the development sector.
Prepare for Career Transition- (Semester 4)
Develop strong communication and presentation skills, essential for policy advocacy, project reporting, and job interviews. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions in the development sector, highlighting relevant coursework, research, and internship experiences. Practice mock interviews.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Public speaking workshops, Career counseling, Professional development books, Interview preparation platforms
Career Connection
Effective career preparation ensures a smooth transition into employment, enhancing employability and securing roles that align with your aspirations in various development organizations across India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A candidate should have passed any Bachelor Degree of the University of Calicut or a recognized equivalent degree, with not less than 45% marks in optional subjects/main subject (excluding subsidiaries/complementaries) or an equivalent grade. OBC/OEC candidates are eligible for a relaxation of 5% marks from the prescribed minimum. SC/ST candidates need only to have a pass in the qualifying examination.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 80 (Note: Calculated total of listed courses is 82) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS1C01 | Theories of Development | Core | 4 | Concepts of Development, Theories of Economic Development, Post Development Discourse, Sustainable Development, Human Development |
| DS1C02 | Development Economics: Theory and Policy | Core | 4 | Economic Growth Theories, Theories of Underdevelopment, Dual Economy Models, Structuralist Approaches, Development Planning |
| DS1C03 | Research Methodology in Development Studies | Core | 4 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis, Report Writing |
| DS1C04 | Environmental Studies and Sustainable Development | Core | 4 | Environmental Problems, Resource Scarcity, Environmental Policies, Climate Change, Green Economy |
| DS1A01 | Development Issues in Kerala | Common Course | 4 | Kerala Model of Development, Social Development Indicators, Economic Challenges, Decentralized Planning, Contemporary Issues |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS2C05 | Population, Health and Development | Core | 4 | Demographic Concepts, Population Theories, Health Indicators, Reproductive Health, Health Policies |
| DS2C06 | Gender and Development | Core | 4 | Gender Concepts, Feminist Theories, Gender Equality, Women Empowerment, Gender Mainstreaming |
| DS2C07 | Human Rights and Social Justice | Core | 4 | Human Rights Framework, Social Justice Theories, Discrimination and Marginalization, Vulnerable Groups, Rights-Based Approach |
| DS2C08 | Quantitative Methods for Development Studies | Core | 4 | Statistical Concepts, Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Data Interpretation |
| DS2A02 | Decentralized Planning and Local Governance | Common Course | 4 | Decentralization Concepts, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies, Participatory Planning, Local Governance Reforms |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS3C09 | Rural and Urban Development | Core | 4 | Rural Economy, Urbanization Trends, Rural Development Programs, Smart Cities, Regional Disparities |
| DS3C10 | Poverty, Inequality and Vulnerability | Core | 4 | Poverty Concepts and Measurement, Inequality Metrics, Social Exclusion, Vulnerability Assessment, Anti-Poverty Strategies |
| DS3E01 | Agrarian Development and Land Reforms | Elective I (Choice 1 of 3) | 4 | Agrarian Structure, Land Tenures, Green Revolution, Agricultural Policies, Rural Livelihoods |
| DS3E02 | Development and Exclusion | Elective I (Choice 2 of 3) | 4 | Social Exclusion Theories, Marginalized Groups, Exclusionary Practices, Inclusive Development, Policy Interventions |
| DS3E03 | Industrialization and Development | Elective I (Choice 3 of 3) | 4 | Industrial Growth Models, Industrial Policy, Small and Medium Enterprises, Globalization and Industry, Technology and Development |
| DS3E04 | Social Demography | Elective II (Choice 1 of 3) | 4 | Demographic Transition, Fertility and Mortality Analysis, Migration Patterns, Population Policies, Ageing Population |
| DS3E05 | Globalization and Development | Elective II (Choice 2 of 3) | 4 | Globalization Theories, International Trade and Development, Foreign Direct Investment, International Institutions, Global Inequality |
| DS3E06 | Disaster Management and Development | Elective II (Choice 3 of 3) | 4 | Disaster Risk Reduction, Hazard Assessment, Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Rehabilitation, Climate Resilience |
| DS3P01 | Project Part I / Dissertation | Project | 2 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Data Collection Plan, Preliminary Analysis |
| DS3A03 | Human Resource Development | Common Course | 4 | HRD Concepts, Human Capital Formation, Skill Development, Training and Education, Labour Market Dynamics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS4C11 | Governance and Development | Core | 4 | Good Governance Principles, State and Market Relations, Public Policy Analysis, Corruption and Accountability, Role of Civil Society |
| DS4C12 | International Development Cooperation | Core | 4 | Foreign Aid, Multilateral Institutions, Bilateral Cooperation, South-South Cooperation, Development Finance |
| DS4V01 | Viva Voce | Assessment | 2 | Overall understanding of Development Studies, Research project defense, Current development issues, Policy implications, Critical thinking |
| DS4P02 | Project Part II (Dissertation and Viva Voce) | Project | 6 | Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Structure, Findings and Conclusions, Policy Recommendations, Presentation and Defense |
| DS4A04 | Health Economics | Common Course | 4 | Health Care Systems, Demand and Supply of Health, Health Financing, Economic Evaluation in Health, Health Policy Analysis |
