Introduction

Masters in Development Studies is an interdisciplinary research focused program that weaves together a range of inter-related academic disciplines such as Politics, International Relations, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Environment and Social Research Methods. The initiation of this program at IMSciences is a response to the development needs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining tribal territories. The region has been historically in spotlight for underdevelopment, conflict and natural calamities; it needs practitioners who understand the modern notions of development and are capable of complementing efforts to support peace-building process and socio-economic development. The core objectives of this program are 1) to familiarise students with development theories, policies and practices 2) to orientate them with recent trends in the development sector and 3) to enhance their analytical and research skills for better understanding and subsequent application of contemporary development theories. The spirit of our MS program lies in thinking globally and acting locally. The program offers several courses that focus not only on global development issues but also on Pakistan’s capacity to assimilate best practices. Apart from the core focus of development studies program on themes such as gender, environment, rural and urban development, our program strives to provide an in-depth understanding of current global issues in international political economy, alternative approaches to poverty alleviation, and novel trends in public sector governance particularly related to the third world countries.

Who Will Benefit?

The programme will be of particular interest to the practitioners and researchers working in social sector, public sector, private sector and academia. Our current students include fresh graduates as well as professionals working in NGOs/INGOs, international aid/development agencies, public sector organisations, social welfare organisations, national planning institutions, development consultancy firms in private sector, community based organisations and social policy research centers. This program is an opportunity for graduates and development managers who wish to pursue a career in development sector and associated academia.

Expected Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the program, development studies graduates will have a sound knowledge of development related issues and the ability to apply their knowledge in terms conducting need assessments, policy formulation, policy analysis, and efficient execution of development projects in their respective organisations. The program also aims to produce development and humanitarian practitioners and researchers with enhanced abilities and skills to engage in development process through innovative and critical approaches. Besides, graduates will acquire comprehensive knowledge that will provide them with a substantial competitive edge in the vast development sector including nongovernmental organisations (NGO’s), multilateral and bi-lateral aid agencies, donor organisations, support agencies, public sector and quasi-government organisations. IMSciences strives to produce generalists rather than specialists who can find it easy to work across a spectrum of issues in a multitude of organisational set ups. At the core, we believe that development is multifaceted and needs practitioners and researchers who are well versed in a range of disciplines. Introduction .

Eligibility for Admission

16 years of education in any related discipline such as Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Economics, Public Administration, Environmental Sciences, Business and Management Sciences, and Commerce with a 2.70 CGPA (with a minimum of 130 credit hours in Bachelors and 60 credit hours in the Master program) or 60% aggregate marks in annual system from any HEC recognized university/institute.
Qualifying the ETS-GRE general test/NTS-GAT General/Institute’s own test or any other test required by the HEC with 50% marks and interview is mandatory for admission.
The Hafiz Quran shall be given a special credit of 20 marks.

Degree Requirements

A student admitted into the MS Development Studies shall be required to complete 24 credit hours of course work along with six (6) credit hours of research work/dissertation. The scheme of the program is as follows: No. of Semesters: 03 Core Courses: 12 Credit Hours Elective Courses: 12 Credit Hours Dissertation: 06 Credit Hours Total Required for Award of the MSDS Degree: 30 Credit Hours

Rules

Rules of IMSciences relating to Grading and Evaluation, GPA Requirements, Academic Calendar, Attendance, Course Withdrawals shall be applicable to the students of MS Development Studies.

Compulsory Subjects

Elective Subjects

Mode of Studies

The MS Development Stuides program is spread over a duration of 18 Months (Three Semesters). Minimum requirement of the program is 30 credit hours i.e. 24 credit hours for coursework and 6 credit hours for mandatory research thesis or two elective subjects as specified in HEC’s guidelines. The curriculum is divided into 4 compulsory and 4 elective subjects that are offered in the first two semesters followed by a research thesis/ two elective subjects in the third semester.

Contact: Admissions Office Tel: (+92-91) 5861024-25 Ext. 211