BA in Development Studies

Course Overview:

The BA in Development Studies explores global development issues, focusing on economic, social, and political aspects. It covers sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and policy analysis, equipping students with skills to address challenges in international development and improve communities worldwide.

Duration:
The BA Development Studies course typically spans 3 years and is divided into 6 semesters.

Syllabus:
BA in Development Studies is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the social, economic, political, and environmental factors influencing global development. The course equips students with the analytical tools needed to address development challenges in both developed and developing countries. Below is a typical semester-wise breakdown:

Semester 1:

  • Introduction to Development Studies

  • Development Theories and Approaches

  • Economic Development and Policy 1

  • Language Paper 1

  • Elective: Sociology of Development

Semester 2:

  • Globalization and Development

  • Political Economy of Development

  • Economic Development and Policy 2

  • Language Paper 2

  • Elective: Human Rights and Development

Semester 3:

  • Rural and Urban Development

  • Social Movements and Development

  • Environment and Sustainable Development

  • Research Methods in Development Studies 1

  • Elective: Gender and Development

Semester 4:

  • Development Organizations and Governance

  • Poverty and Inequality

  • Research Methods in Development Studies 2 (Fieldwork)

  • Development Planning and Policy

  • Elective: Development in Conflict Zones

Semester 5:

  • International Development Organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)

  • Social Policy and Welfare

  • Community Development and Participation

  • Project/Dissertation Work

  • Elective: Education and Development

Semester 6:

  • Global Health and Development

  • Development Economics and Policy Analysis

  • Climate Change and Development

  • Project/Dissertation Presentation

  • Elective: Sustainable Livelihoods

Average Fees:
The average fees for BA in Development Studies in India range between INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year, depending on the institution and location.

Exams to Attend:

  • Admission is usually merit-based, but some universities may require entrance exams such as CUET or institution-specific tests.

Top 10 Ranking Institutions in India for BA Development Studies (Combined Rankings):

  1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai

  2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi

  3. Delhi University (DU), New Delhi

  4. Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi

  5. Jadavpur University, Kolkata

  6. Christ University, Bangalore

  7. Ambedkar University, Delhi

  8. Azim Premji University, Bangalore

  9. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

  10. Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune

Top 10 Institutions in Kerala for BA Development Studies:

  1. University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram

  2. Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam

  3. Calicut University, Calicut

  4. St. Teresa’s College, Ernakulam

  5. Sacred Heart College, Thevara

  6. Farook College, Calicut

  7. St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri, Calicut

  8. Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram

  9. CMS College, Kottayam

  10. St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam