Programme Objectives
- To develop a deep understanding of the theory and practice of development studies, international cooperation, and sustainable development
- To enable learners to develop an interdisciplinary methodology and skills necessary to make critical, informed evaluations and judgments about global issues, processes, trends, policies and strategies.
- To inculcate in learners, the intellectual and ethical responsibilities of active global citizenship over global issues (e.g. global inequality, insecurity, environmental degradation, human rights violations, etc.) that have been made so complex by globalisation.
- Learn to argue for and defend the role and potential of development cooperation in today’s international relations, and be better able to foster the win-win aspects for both developed and developing countries.
Programme Learning Outcomes
At the end of this programme, our students should:
- Be able to evaluate the different dimensions of development
- Have a deep understanding of the theory and practice of diplomacy
- Be able to appraise the nexus between development, diplomacy, the UN System and current contemporary challenges
- Be able to apply key soft skills in an international working environment.
What You Will Study in the Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
The Bachelor of Arts in Development studies consists of a total of 135 Credit Units that are to be covered in three (3) full academic years of 9 months each. Each Academic Year at NIU is made up of 3 terms of 14 weeks each (12 weeks of Learning, one Recollection Week and One Week of Examination). After each Term features a recess period ranging from 3 weeks to 1 month. During the Academic term, students shall be allowed to take a minimum of five (5) Credit Units and a maximum of fifteen (15) Credit Units. This translates into a minimum of one module and a maximum of three modules in each term. Each module will be conducted in inform of live classes for 2 hours each week, online materials will be made available to the students as well as online discussions between the facilitators and the students. The modules to be covered in the first year of study include an institutional requirement, and introductory modules in the study of business administration and management. The modules to be covered in the second year of studies include core subjects in the programme. The third and final year of study involves specialisation modules in three tracks: International Development, International Relations, and International Security. Additionally, the students are obligated to propose a year-long work-based project that will be monitored and supervised. At the end of the project, the student submits a capstone project report that is defended at a panel set up by the School Energy, Global and Development Studies.
Admission Requirements
Applicants for the Bachelor of Arts in Development studies programme shall be eligible for admission in the following ways:
a. Direct Entry Scheme
Applicants shall satisfy the general minimum entry requirements stipulated by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). Candidates seeking admission through this avenue must have obtained: –
- The Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) with at least six credits of which two credits must be in English and Mathematics.
- The Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with at least two Principal Passes obtained at the same sitting, which passes must include one of the following subjects: Economics, Mathematics, or Entrepreneurship or its equivalence from UNEB or a legitimate national authority.
- Foreign students without UACE or its equivalent qualifications, who have successfully completed secondary school education and are admissible to university degree or diploma programmes in their respective home countries. Such students shall have passed at least five subjects with a minimum overall grade of C (Plain). In addition, foreign students whose studies were not conducted in English shall show proof of proficiency in the English Language.
b. Diploma Entry Scheme
Candidates seeking admission through the Diploma holder’s Scheme must:
- Have passed Mathematics and English with at least a credit in the Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent
- Have done a combination involving Economics, Entrepreneurship, History, Geography, Agriculture, Mathematics at UACE and passed at least one of the subjects at Principle level
- Have obtained a diploma or its equivalent qualification (at credit/distinction level) in the relevant field from a recognised higher institution of learning.
c. Mature Age Entry
The applicant must have passed Mature Age Entry Examinations (with at least 50%) of any institution dully authorized by the NCHE to issue such examination. For purposes of admission the Mature Age Entrance Certificate shall be valid for no more than two years. d. Advanced or Higher Diploma Entry Holders of Advanced Diploma, Higher Diploma, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification qualify for admission to the relevant Bachelors degree programme. The Advanced or Higher Diploma must be passed at Credit level or higher to be admitted to the final year the relevant Bachelor’s degree programme.
Learning System Requirement
Career Paths
This programme will prepare students for a career in development and diplomacy and/or transnational and regional institutions of governance such as international organisations, nongovernmental organisations, and private sector firms interacting with these institutions. Graduates of the BADS programme will be able to join the United Nations and other international organisations, such as the World Food Programme, the diplomatic service in the UK and other countries, government departments across the globe, NGOs such as Oxfam and WWF, and the private sector in fields ranging from investment to energy. Specifically, graduates from the programme are, therefore, open to a number of careers with the different specialisations. Specific career paths to graduates include:- Academic institutions/research organisations
- Diplomat / Foreign Affairs Officer
- Political Affairs Officer/ Analyst (with UN, AU or Foreign Missions)
- Humanitarian Affairs Officer/ Coordinator
- Policy Research and Advocacy Manager
- Journalism with focus on African politics, economics and the global society