Bachelor in Development Studies (BDevS)

Nature of the Program

Bachelor of arts in Development Studies (BdevS) is a four year eight semester professional course offered by National College since 1999. The program is first of its kind in Nepal is, conceived and offered by National College. Development is a complex and time taking process. It demands the efficient utilization of available human, material and financial resources. Realizing this fact, national college has been offering interdisciplinary nature of Development Studies program. The program mission is thus based on the premise that “the ultimate goal of sectoral efforts is development for improving the standard of living and quality of life of people.”

The basic feature of the course is its interdisciplinary frameworks which incorporate concepts and approaches from interrelated disciplines viz. concepts and theories of development, economics, community development, project management, project management, resource management, environmental management, good governance, conflict management and others. These disciplines have practical bearing on understanding and implementing development process both at micro and macro levels. Providing knowledge and skills from such interdisciplinary subjects is fundamental for producing skilled and professional human capital catering the needs of the country. This academic program's goal is to develop such a human capital, which can deliver the development works effectively and efficiently.

Started as three-year program in1999, it has now been updated to four-year program to match the international standard. Four of three-year batches and one of four year have already graduated and they are gainfully absorbed in development sectors or are pursuing their higher studies in foreign countries. Their performance has been very highly rated by organization where they work and study.

Objective

• To calculate interdisciplinary knowledge and skills of development.

• To enable students to learn theories and concepts that help in exploring the paths leading to sustainable development.

• To prepare graduates to be able to work in diverse socio-economic and cultural settings of the country both in rural and urban areas.

• To develop effective leadership qualities among the students so as to materialize development works in the area of need with higher level of achievement.

A Need-Based Academic Program

• A demand-driven and result-oriented academic program

• Faculty committed to teaching and social and developmental research

• A flexible curriculum responsive to dynamism of development

• Challenging academic program for graduate students who value excellent education inside and outside the classroom

• Rigorous analytical and issue based assessment

• Field based practicum

• Wide range of job opportunities in the sector of development

Scope of the Program

BDevS degree provides and international qualification for a professional career in development practices and studies. After completion of BDevS, one becomes eligible for admission to Masters Level Study Programs in Economics, Sociology and Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, other potential interdisciplinary courses and MBA within Nepal and abroad. BDevS degree holders will have ample opportunity to be employed in INGOs, NGOs, development organizations and government organizations.

Teaching Methodology

Basic methodology adopted for teaching and learning is:

• Lecture methods with adequate use of audio visual aids such as OHPs, LCDs etc.

• Classroom discussion on key issues of development

• Terms papers, assignments and case presentations in different subjects

• Field studies for understanding wider perspectives of rural and urban areas

• Seminars and talk programs for expanding the horizon of knowledge

• Training and research works relating to the development

For effectively using this teaching methodology, the college uses the services of qualified, experienced and dedicated faculty members who come from both academia and different governmental and international organizations. Constant seminars, dialogue and interaction with key resource person from respective areas could help students develop deeper understanding and prepare them to face future challenges in the area of development. Field visits in many areas are indispensable parts of the teaching. Realizing the necessity of field for on-the-spot study to materializing the theoretical knowledge, students are taken to many rural areas in different parts of Nepal in each semester.

Admission Criteria

• Second division or minimum of 45% marks (in aggregate) secured at higher secondary or equivalent levels in any streams

• Entrance test for preparing list of eligible candidates

• Interview and group discussion for final selection

• At interview and group discussion, presence of parents or guardians will also be required

Seats available

Scholarships

To encourage meritorious students, the college offers partial scholarship annually to each study program. One student will be offered full scholarship nominated by Kathmandu University. Part from these, the college tries to arrange financial help for its students through various NGOs, INGOs for conducting research.

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