Introduction to Developmental Studies
Developmental Studies is a discipline under Social Science. The Developmental Studies is a multidisciplinary subject that focuses on the evolution of nations from political, cultural, geographical and socio-economic perspectives. It emerged as an academic discipline in the 20th century amid growing concerns for third world countries to establish themselves economically in the postcolonial era. The last decade gained attention when many universities launched a new academic discipline in development studies.
In other words developmental studies is about understanding the current political landscape by examining their origins, which then enables academics, politicians and world charity organisations to make better plans for the future.
Few details about M.Sc Developmental Studies
M.Sc Developmental Studies is a 2-year post graduate programme that is divided into 4- semesters. The students of M.Sc Developmental Studies will be studying about the three key areas affecting mankind, namely social, economical and political sectors. The course throws a light on the historical changes in the configuration of the state markets, social institutions and civil society and their increasing consequences on developing societies of countries. The course aims to equip the students to develop critical perspectives in the allays of development experience and their effects on society especially the underprivileged and marginalised sections of the society.
Eligibility for M.Sc Developmental Studies
- The students should have passed their PUC or 10+2 in any discipline from recognised board
- The students should have passed their bachelor’s degree in any discipline from recognised university
Admissions Procedures for M.Sc Developmental Studies
The candidates who meet eligibility requirements can take admission to M.Sc Developmental Studies via two modes:
1. Merit Mode
2. Direct Admissions Mode
1. Merit Mode
There are many colleges, universities that offer merit seats for the students interested to join M.Sc Developmental Studies. These institutes conduct entrance exams for the students for merit admissions. The main idea of entrance exams is to filter out right candidates from the non-serious candidates. The students who qualify the entrance exams are selected for merit seats based on their scores in exams and their graduation. The fee for merit seats is reasonable.
2. Direct Admissions
The students also have another option of admission to M.Sc Developmental Studies, that is direct admission process. The students can directly get admission to the course through direct admissions under management quota. The main advantage of direct admission is that the students are not required to appear for any entrance exams. They are given special privileges like admissions to their desired colleges without any entrance exams. The interested students can contact the educational guidance services like Galaxy Educational Services to get direct admissions to their desired colleges. The fees are slightly higher for the direct admissions.
Syllabus for M.Sc Developmental Studies
The M.Sc Developmental studies students will study the following subjects in their course, they are:
- Research Methodology in Social Sciences
- Introduction to Development Studies
- Environmental Economy, Energy and sustainable development
- Basics of Soil and agrarian studies
- Integrated approaches to sustainable development practice
- Development theories and practices
- Social hazards and development
- Agrarian Development
- Business Communication
- Economics Growth and Development
- Cutting Edge issues in Development
- Development Global Health and Population Change
- Public Law and Policies for Development
- Economic Development Gender and Sustainability
- Urban Governance and Development
- Education for Sustainable Development
- Advanced Quantitative Techniques
- Management of Social Welfare and Non-Government organisations
- Project planning and management
- Poverty inequality and human development
Scope for M.Sc Development Studies students
A higher degree in development studies like M.Sc Development Studies opens doors for students across diverse career opportunities in areas like counselling, therapy and social services. The students can get jobs in various government and non-government agencies. They can also find jobs in non-profit organisations, NGOs etc. The students who are interested in higher studies can join the PhD programme. They can even join the M.Phil programme to have in-depth understanding of the subject.
Job Roles after M.Sc Development Studies
There are many job roles available after the completion of M.Sc Development Studies they are:
- Enterprise Account Manager
- Agency Development Manager
- Public Relations Officer
- Human Resource Officer
- Social Psychologist
- Educational and Career Counsellor
- Community Worker
- Welfare Worker
Top Firms hiring M.Sc Developmental Studies
There are certain companies that hire M.Sc Developmental Studies students. They are basically hired in areas of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) areas in companies. They basically work with underprivileged communities on behalf of the company. They try to improve their lives by providing them access to proper health, hygienic environment, basic amenities like food, shelter, water and try to bring change in the communities.
Some of the firms hiring them are:
- Infosys Foundation
- Azim Premji Foundation
- Tata Memorial Foundation
- Reliance Foundation
- HelpAge India
- CRY India
Earning Potential
As an M.Sc Developmental Studies student one will be earning a decent salary of around 7 lakhs per annum. The ideal fresher will be earning around 4 lakhs per annum. The salary will be more for experienced professionals.
Concluding Words
The M.Sc Developmental studies is gaining importance in the last 5-10 years. The companies are actively engaging themselves in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and are hiring a large number of M.Sc Developmental Studies students. The companies are required to take up welfare communities under this initiative according to government regulations. So, they are in search of skilled professionals with compassion and empathy. The M.Sc Developmental Studies Students work on behalf of the companies and take up welfare activities for the benefit of marginalised communities. The M.Sc Developmental Studies students are responsible to find out and address the problems faced by local communities by bringing them to the notice of the company. The students with service oriented and compassionate mindset can choose to join M.Sc Developmental Studies course and earn a decent salary with good career growth opportunities.