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 deve lopment and a re c apabl e of complementing efforts to support peace-building process and socio-economic development. The core objectives of this program are 1) to familiarize 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 program 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 organizations, social welfare organizations, national planning institutions, development consultancy firms in private sector, communitybased 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 organizations. 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 organizations (NGO’s), multilateral and bi-lateral aid agencies, donor organizations, support agencies, public sector and quasi-government organizations. IMSciences strives to produce generalists rather than specialists who can find it easy to work across a spectrum of issues in a multitude of organizational 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.

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 120 credit hours in Bachelors and 60 credit hours in the Master program) or 60% aggregate marks in the 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 minimum 50% marks in test and minimum 40% marks in interview are mandatory for admission.

The Hafiz Quran shall be given a special credit of 20 marks.

The credit marks shall be added subject to fulfillment of basic requisite academic qualification.

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:

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

Semester Wise Breakup of Courses

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