Development Studies

Global mortality rates, poverty and starvation may have receded in recent decades but the disparity between rich and poor all over the world has never been wider. Postgraduate courses in this area are for anyone who is passionately concerned with the plight of developing communities both here and abroad. It should be as much a decision of the head as of the heart to enrol however, as developmental work is a highly complex area that requires a dispassionate and critical understanding of various development theories and research policies, and how this knowledge can be applied to solve real life social and economic problems.

Students of development studies are taught the causes of underdevelopment, which can be social, economic, cultural, political, or environmental in nature; and the various forms that these problems assume in different contexts around the world – from food security and conflict resolution, to human rights and environmental sustainability. By examining these different situations, students are introduced to the developmental policies that are in place and the possible alternatives.

’There is no single approach to, or theory of, development,’ states Tom Campbell, Registrar and Lecturer in the Kimmage Development Studies Centre, ‘but many agencies working in the field would aim to ensure that whatever interventions they bring are designed to reduce the vulnerability and strengthen the livelihoods of the poor. This can only be done by working in partnership with governments and local communities in a sustainable and participatory way.’

Also analysed are the many debates and arguments that surround developmental work, and the (sometimes conflicting) perspectives of donor and recipient governments, international organisations such as the UN, NGOs and of course, the people on the ground. This complexity is underscored by the modern approach to developmental strategy, which has seen the simple provision of funds and resources by donor countries replaced by the more long-term goal of increasing the capacity of developing nations and communities to self-develop.

Aside from a theoretical understanding, postgraduate programmes will also provide students with the practical skills required to work in the development sector. These might include project management, problem solving, leadership and motivational skills. The development of research ability is another key element, with students learning both quantitative and qualitative methodologies in preparation for compiling their dissertation. Given the nature of the subject, it is not surprising that possible dissertation topics range widely, from ownership of natural resources in Mongolia to the role of NGOs in peace building in Columbia.

Career prospects are good according to Tom Campbell: ‘despite the economic downturn, the development sector remains a vibrant and essential part of Ireland’s relations with the wider world. Our graduates have gone on to work with Irish and international development aid agencies, usually at working at programme officer and management level. Others have opted to work in community development, or development education (creating awareness of global development) here in Ireland, working with a variety of governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Another attraction of Development Studies is its international perspective, which means that graduates can find themselves working in far-flung locations on any continent. Students who engage in PhD level studies routinely travel to the area that is the object of their research. Fourth level qualifications are also extremely useful for developing the professional development of people already working in the development sector.

Dedicated Development Studies courses are available to study in DCU, UCD, Kimmage Development Studies Centre and the University of Limerick, but there are lots of related postgraduate programmes available elsewhere.  UCC’s MA in European Development Studies for instance, examines development issues in a purely European context.

Readers who are particularly interested in development careers that are a little closer to home can avail of postgraduate programmes in DIT (Community & Local Development) and NUI Galway (Community Development). The courses provide a practical and theoretical understanding of the issues faced by underdeveloped communities in particular. Students learn how to collect and analyse socio-economic data, to understand communal development in terms of regional policy, and the practical management skills needed to bring about positive change in the community.

Other useful courses include NUI Maynooth’s unique Postgraduate Certificate and MA in Anthropology & Development, which examines developmental work in terms of its human cultural context; incorporating the various political, religions, familial and economic dimensions of human life. Understanding of cultural difference is a key requirement of developmental work so graduates of this programme are highly valued in aid and development circles.

University of Limerick’s MA in Peace and Development Studies produces graduates who can work in the development sector, but who also are also equipped with a specialised knowledge of conflict issues such as resolution, peace-building and peacekeeping. The nearby Mary Immaculate College’s Graduate Diploma/MEd in Development Education is a unique distance-learning programme informed by the work of organisations such as Trócaire and Concern, which is dedicated to producing teachers who can facilitate effective societal change and development through education.


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