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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.

Teaching practiceConnect subject knowledge with classroom planning, assessment and learner support.
Education leadershipDevelop professional habits for school, community and education-sector service.
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.

Subject masteryBuild strong knowledge in the teaching subjects and education foundations.
Teaching methodsPlan lessons, manage learning and use appropriate assessment approaches.
Learner supportRespond to diverse learner needs with inclusive and ethical practice.
School practiceConnect theory with school-based observation, teaching practice and reflection.
Research literacyUse inquiry to understand education problems and improve practice.
Professional identityDevelop communication, leadership and lifelong learning habits.
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

Education foundations

Students study the foundations of education, learning theory and subject content.

02

Methods and assessment

Training develops lesson planning, pedagogy, assessment and classroom communication.

03

School-based practice

Students connect theory with observation, practicum and guided reflection.

04

Research and improvement

The programme introduces inquiry, education research and improvement-focused thinking.

05

Professional formation

Students build ethical, inclusive and responsible teaching identities.

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.