Department of Social and Development Studies
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM
The Department of Social and Development Studies at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Karachi offers a two-year, MS (Development Studies) degree program, which has been specifically designed to prepare students for scholarly research in the field of development studies. The program offers exciting opportunities to put the development knowledge into practice, including chances to work at local or international organizations in the development sector. The program will introduce development studies as an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary subject in the field of Social Sciences. It covers the intellectual history of development in the society, the paradigm shifts and internal conflicts within the society and discipline and the contemporary relevance of social science research to development policy and practice.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
The MS Degree Program in Development Studies at Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU), Karachi aims to:
- Produce and nurture a class of development sector students, researchers, professionals, specialists and activists who can play a dynamic role in the socio-economic development of the country and betterment of the society.
- Equip students with the knowledge pertaining to the upcoming developmental, social, political, cultural, and economic challenges of the developing societies.
- Improve the analytical skills of the students through creative thinking patterns and provide the quality education and training in the field.
- To make a quality research in the field and devise strategies and solutions to the socio-economic problems and challenges in the country
SCOPE OF THE PROGRAM
This is the era of Sustainable Development and the world is focusing on the sustainability challenges and agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context there is a lot of scope and importance of the subject Development Studies in future specially among the developing societies. The current agenda of SDGs is creating a lot of investment and opportunities in the development sector and development graduates can play a dynamic role through getting employment in both business and public sectors.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is intended for students with a good first degree (Masters and / or four years BA / BSc / BS) with 2.5 CGPA in any development related discipline, preferably the social Science subjects including business administration from HEC recognized educational institutions and eligible for admission in MS Development Studies program. Students have to pass GAT General / relevant with min. 50% score
STRUCTURE OF CURRICULUM
| DURATION OF THE PROGRAM AND SEMESTER-WISE BREAKUP OF WORKLOAD CREDIT HOURS | |
| Total number of Credit hours | 30 |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Semester Duration | 18 weeks |
| Semesters | 4 |
| Courses | 08 (24 Credit Hours) |
| Thesis | 06 (Credit Hours) |
SEMESTER WISE BREAKUP OF COURSES
| SEMESTER-I | |||
| S. No. | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| 01 | DVS701 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3+0 |
| 02 | DVS703 | Advanced Theories and Concepts of Development Studies | 3+0 |
| 03 | DVS* | Elective-I | 3+0 |
| 04 | DVS* | Elective-II | 3+0 |
| SEMESTER-II | |||
| 01 | DVS702 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3+0 |
| 02 | DVS704 | Sociological Theories and Development | 3+0 |
| 03 | DVS* | Elective-III | 3+0 |
| 04 | DVS* | Elective-IV / Independent Study (IS)** | 3+0 |
| SEMESTER-III & IV | |||
| 01 | DVS800 | Thesis | 6+0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | ||
| ELECTIVE COURSES FOR FIRST SEMESTER | |||
| 01 | DVS705 | Advanced Project Management | 3+0 |
| 02 | DVS707 | Urban Society, Cities and Development | 3+0 |
| 03 | DVS709 | Sustainable Development and Climate Change | 3+0 |
| 04 | DVS711 | Development Economics and Globalization | 3+0 |
| 05 | DVS713 | Gender Studies | 3+0 |
| ELECTIVE COURSES FOR SECOND SEMESTER | |||
| 01 | DVS706 | Community Development and Microfinance | 3+0 |
| 02 | DVS708 | Development Management | 3+0 |
| 03 | DVS710 | Rural Development and Agrarian Change | 3+0 |
| 04 | DVS712 | Media and Development Communication | 3+0 |
| 05 | DVS714 | Migration and Development | 3+0 |
| 06 | DVS716 | Independent Study(IS)** | 3+0 |
*Code of relevant elective course provided in the list.
**Students will have an option to take an Independent Study (IS) instead of one elective course of 03 credit hours in 2nd semester.