Master of Arts in Development Studies

The Master of Arts in Development Studies Programme (Taught)

Rationale:

Development challenges are complex, multidimensional, and constantly evolving. Addressing these challenges effectively requires a multidisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from economics, sociology, political science, environmental studies, and policy analysis.

Development Studies provides a comprehensive platform for understanding, analysing, and addressing the socio-economic and political issues that shape human well-being and development outcomes. Through this field, students gain the ability to critically examine the structural and systemic factors influencing poverty, inequality, governance, and sustainable development.

More specifically, this programme equips graduates with practical skills to function effectively as practitioners, policymakers, and consultants, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to development efforts at local, national, and global levels. By fostering critical thinking, policy analysis, and applied research skills, the programme prepares students to shape and influence development policies and practices that drive socio-economic transformation and improved living standards.

Aims of the Programme

The programme aims to provide knowledge and tools of analysis for critical thinking on complex and multidimensional problems affecting contemporary human society and to support problem-solving processes to mitigate such problems through development-related research, policy and practice.

Programme Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, postgraduate students are expected to:

Knowledge and understanding of subject matter
I. Synthesise development theories to design innovative solutions for socio-economic and political issues.
II. Analyse the impact of global political and economic structures on national and local development outcomes.
III. Investigate agrarian transformation and rural development processes to formulate strategies that promote equitable growth.
IV. Examine the political economy of contemporary Zambian society to address issues of inequality and development.
V. Assess the interconnections between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social well-being in development planning.
VI. Critique the roles and contributions of civil society in promoting governance, accountability, and participatory development.

Professional skills
VII. Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations to tackle development challenges in diverse contexts and in relation to contemporary development discourses.
VIII. Apply advanced project management principles to design, implement, and evaluate public or private development projects at national, regional or international level effectively.
IX. Critically evaluate research methodologies and their application in addressing complex development challenges.

Transferable skills
X. Demonstrate skills in independent research, including identifying contextually appropriate research methodologies, self-learning, critical thinking and effective communication of findings in development studies.