This programme provides students with an inter-disciplinary learning situation within which the development process can be analysed, critiqued and reflected upon. A deliberate attempt is made in all subject areas to integrate the relevant theory with participant's experience in the context of cultural diversity. The programme will be particularly helpful to those working in situations of marginalisation, engaged in justice and peace work, or developing community projects.

Aims

1. To promote in participants an understanding of the holistic development of the person in the community and to provide specialised training for development activists and practitioners.
2. To explore understandings of the human, economic, political and social aspects of theories of change.
3. To critically enhance skills in relation to leadership and working with groups, and in the planning, management and evaluation of projects.
4. To increase participants awareness of development, justice and poverty  issues at global and local levels and to animate them in their role as development educators and agents of change.
5. To encourage participant's active integration of gender analyses and approaches to planning into development processes and practices.
6. To encourage dialogue on development experiences in a variety of contexts including in relation to Ireland and the countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Schedule

The BA is run as a two year programme. Core taught course work is completed in the first academic year, which runs from September to the end of May. In year 2 participants engage in an applied research project on a topic in the development field (preferably related to their work) and are required to write up a final integration paper. As the second year is structured for off campus modules, physical attendance at KDSC is not essential.

Successful completion of the course earns participants a Ordinary BA Degree in Development Studies, accredited by the HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council. This is a Level 7 award within the Irish National Framwork of Qualificaitons.

For students unable to participate full-time, it is possible to attend individual subjects on a part-time basis and obtain internationally recognised course credits, which can be accumulated over time to realise a full award. Further details of this Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects scheme (ACCS) are available from the Applications Office.

Assessment

Continuous assessment of essays, participation in seminars and projects and final written examinations comprise the bulk of assessment. In year two participants are required to write up a final integration paper based on their findings of their applied research project. Apart from the HETAC qualification, course participants may be awarded an in-house certificate on successful completion of the course.

Entry Requirements

Applicants to the BA Degree should normally have a post-secondary qualification from a recognised institute or evidence of at least two years education or training at third-level, in a related subject area. Candidates without the usual entry requirements may be considered for admission on the basis of relevant work experience and an assessment of their prior experiential learning to ensure their suitability for a programme of study which is essentially the second and third year of a ordinary BA Degree. Students of mature years (23+) are especially welcome. Some vacancies will be available to those wishing to commence a career in development work. This programme may also suit those taking a career break.

Course Content

The BA Degree in Development Studies offers courses in the following study areas:

1. Political and Economic Development (includes Development Economics and Political Studies). This aim of this subject is to provide participants with a good understanding of the interrelated processes of Economics and Politics and their impact on Development
2. Planning and Management (includes Project Planning and Management, Gender and Development and Leadership). This subject provides an introduction to different approaches for planning and managing development programmes and projects, with particular reference to issues of gender, poverty eradication and participation.
3. Society, Culture and Environment (includes Sociology of Development, Cultural Anthropology and Environment and Development). This aim of this subject is to provide participants with a good understanding of the social, cultural and environmental issues which effect change at local and global levels.
4. Group and Adult Learning (includes Group Facilitation Skills, Adult Education and Human Development Theories). This subject aims to integrate theories of group work, adult learning and human development using experiential and participatory methodologies.
5. Electives The choice of subjects offered in the Electives area gives participants an opportunity to explore in more depth specific topics of relevance which are introduced introduced in the mandatory core subjects listed above. Typical Electives offered in recent years include: Economic and Political Policy Analysis: Ethics of Development; Participatory Planning Tools (PRA and DELTA); Human Rights; HIV/AIDS and Development; Emergency Relief Interventions, etc
6. Development Research: Methods and Tools.
7. Applied Research Project.

Note that the BA Degree in Development Studies programme is also run through the MS-TCDC Centre in Arusha, Tanzania. For further information contact:

MS-TCDC, P.O. Box 254, Arusha, Tanzania

Tel: +255 27 2553472

E-Mail: mstcdc@mstcdc.or.tz

Web: www.mstcdc.or.tz

Application Forms & Downloads

Online Application Form
Downloadable Application Form (.doc)
Online Contact Us Form
Additional BA Portfolio Form (.doc)
Downloadable Reference Form (.doc)
Downloadable Visa Requirements (.doc)
Course Fees (EU) (.xls)
Course Fees (Non-EU) (.pdf)