Master of Development Studies

Campus
Main Campus
Level
Graduate
Method
Lecture
School
SEAS

The Master of Development Studies (MDS) is an interdisciplinary programme that focuses on the fundamental issues and long-term implications of current and alternative development policies and strategies. It is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of careers such as research, leadership, and administrative positions in corporate, government service, think tanks, non-profit organizations, and civil society. It is a two-year postgraduate programme that requires a completion of 54 credit hours over 4 semesters. Each semester is 15 weeks, 14 of which are dedicated to synchronous engagements between lecturers and students with one week dedicated to final examinations.

Entry requirements

Applicants for admission to master level programmes at Africa International University should:


Hold an undergraduate degree in relevant disciplines from an accredited institution of higher learning with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or a degree awarded with first class or upper second-class honours.

Those with a 2.75 cumulative grade point average or higher or second-class lower division or its equivalent should with at least two years of relevant work experience after graduation.

Mode of study


The Master of Development Studies is comprised of full-time and part-time students, most of whom are currently working. The mode of delivery will be blended learning module (a blend of face-to-face and remote learning)

Duration of the Programme


The programme comprises course work, research, and thesis, altogether covering two academic years of two semesters each for full-time students and over three years for part-time students. The first year of study shall be devoted to coursework and preparation of a research proposal. The first semester of the second year is for fieldwork. During the final semester the student is required to write a thesis, publish an article, and participate in seminars designed to gain experience in interdisciplinary studies.

Career Opportunities for MDS Graduates

The programme will equip students to facilitate the establishment of sustainable solutions as graduates work to implement national and local government policies, projects, and programmes. It targets to recruit those already in the development field who are seeking to deepen their understanding as well as those who are seeking diversify their career into spromoting holistic development. Graduates of MDS are well equipped to work in various places and positions as Community development workers, Project officers, Project managers, Monitoring and evaluation officers amongst other key positions work with the National government, County governments, International development agencies, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs and other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

  • Why study Master of Development Studies at Africa International University?
  • Suitable environment for learning-both physical and remote learning facilities.
  • Competent Lecturers -with wide teaching and practical field experiences
  • Good mix of Theory and Practice -every year there will be field visit to a development project.
  • Very interactive classes because of manageable numbers
  • Timely completion of the programme.
  • Affordable and competitive tuition fees
  • A Christian environment founded on solid biblical values.

Content of the Programme

The content of the MDS programme is divided into four types of courses as highlighted below:

Course CategoryNumber of CoursesCredit Hours
University Core Courses39
Programme Common Courses927
Concentration Courses412
Research Proposal and Thesis26
Total1854
  • The programme has five concentration areas to choose from and specialize in during their studies as highlighted namely:
  • Theology and Development
  • Project Management
  • Peace Building and Conflict Transformation
  • Gender and Development
  • Environment, Sustainability, and development.
Building Your Social Capital

Our graduate programs offer students relevant skills, develop their ability to think critically, encourage them to be innovative and build character.