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Bachelor of Development Studies

A undergraduate programme preparing students with the knowledge, practical skills and professional discipline required in Development Studies.

Bachelors

Bachelor of Development Studies

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01

Programme Overview

This course is undertaken for a period of three years. Each year has two semesters, each semester taking 17 weeks, two of which are for examinations.  For the first three semesters, students are taught or undertake coursework for at least 5 course units, totalling 15 course units that they are exposed to. Of the 15 course units, five are core, five basic and five are obligatory (these could well become electives in future, with an expansion of the modules). Two of the core courses are offered in the first semester and three in the second semester. Three of the basic courses are offered in the first semester, two in the second semester and one in the third semester.

Applied learningConnect classroom knowledge with practical tasks, projects and supervised learning experiences.
Professional formationBuild communication, ethics, teamwork and discipline-specific judgement.
Research awarenessUse evidence, inquiry and analytical thinking to understand problems and propose solutions.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study, entrepreneurship and service in relevant professional settings.
02

What You Will Learn

By the end of the programme, students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, practical skills and professional conduct required for effective work in Development Studies.

Disciplinary knowledgeBuild a strong foundation in the core concepts and methods of Development Studies.
Applied problem-solvingUse knowledge to analyse situations, make decisions and propose practical solutions.
CommunicationPresent ideas clearly in written, oral and digital formats.
Research and inquiryUse evidence, data and critical thinking to support decisions.
Professional practiceDevelop ethical, responsible and collaborative work habits.
Career readinessPrepare for employment, further study and service in relevant sectors.
03

Course Structure and Learning Experience

The learning experience is organised to move students from foundational knowledge into applied, supervised and professionally oriented practice.

01

Foundation stage

Students build the conceptual base needed for progression in Development Studies.

02

Core discipline stage

The programme deepens knowledge through core courses and guided academic work.

03

Applied learning stage

Students connect theory to practical cases, projects or field-related tasks.

04

Research and analysis

The curriculum develops inquiry, evidence use and analytical capability.

05

Professional preparation

Students consolidate learning for employment, entrepreneurship, service or further study.

04

Course Content

40 courses

Academic Year 1

11 courses
Semester 1
DVS1101 Introduction to development studies
Core
DVS1102 Introduction to sociology
Core
ECO1101 Introduction to microeconomics
Core
UCC1100 Introduction to computer fundamentals
Core
UCC1101 English language skills
Core
Semester 2
DVS1202 Poverty and development
Core
DVS1213 culture and develoment
Core
PAD1203 Decentralisation and local governance
Core
PAD1205 Development administration and management
Core
SWS1202 Management of social services
Core
UCC1201 communication skills
Core

Academic Year 2

16 courses
Semester 1
DVS21 03 Theories of development
Core
DVS2101 Demography studies
Core
DVS2102 Rural and urban development
Core
DVS2104 Industrialisation and development
Core
PAD2101 Public policy management
Core
PAD2103 State and the economy
Core
SWS2102 Community based intervention strategies
Core
UCC2102 research methods
Core
Semester 2
DVS2203 Disaster management
Core
DVS2204 Human rights and development
Core
DVS2205 Non-governmental organisations and development
Core
DVS3101 Gender and development
Core
ENT2201 Entreprenuership and development
Core
EVN2202 Conservation and sustainable development
Core
INT2100 Internship
Core
PAD2202 Regional planning and development
Core

Academic Year 3

13 courses
Semester 1
DVS31010 Development in practice
Core
DVS3102 Issues in third world politics
Core
DVS3103 Diplomatic theory and practice
Core
EC03102 Development economics
Core
PAD3101 Ethics and development
Core
PAD3102 International relations
Core
SWS3102 Migration and refugee studies
Core
Semester 2
DVS 3204 Globalisation and development
Core
DVS3202 Community health and development
Core
DVS3203 Conflict resolution and peace building
Core
HRM1201 Principles of human resource management
Core
PAD3202 Project planning and management
Core
UCC3000 Research report
Core
05

Admission Requirements

Candidates admitted to the programme must be holders of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent, with at least two principal passes in the relevant subjects.
Holders of relevant Diplomas and equivalent qualifications recognized by the concerned authorities and bodies in Uganda are eligible for admission to the programme

06

Fees and Application Guidance

Tuition, functional fees and any programme-specific charges are confirmed by KIU Admissions and Finance for each intake. Applicants should review the current fee schedule before submitting an application.