MSc. in Development Studies online programme (General or Concentrations in Social Development Policy, Economic Development Policy or Governance and Public Policy)
The MSc Development Studies is a one-year (two years, part-time) programme offered by the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES). In keeping with the UWI’s vision, the MSc in Development Studies is designed to produce graduates with specialized leadership skills for development and an interdisciplinary grasp of the Social Sciences.
It will:
- Expose students to recent social, economic and political developments especially in small developing countries
- Facilitate an understanding of the principles and practices of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation
- Equip students to use quantitative and qualitative techniques in decision-making; and
- Equip students with the skills to undertake research in policy analysis.
In addition to a firm grounding in contemporary social, political and economic affairs, the degree features a novel leadership seminar, a practical in-course approach to research methodology and a technical writing seminar.
SALISES offers a small group atmosphere, its own Documentation Centre, and dedicated administrative staff in three locations across the Caribbean (Mona, Jamaica; Cave Hill, Barbados and St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago). Students will be able to call in or visit for assistance.
Delivery Mode: Online (asynchronous and synchronous)
Duration: One (1) year full-time; Two (2) years part-time (inclusive of Summer Term)
Admission Requirements:
Minimum requirements for admission are:
- A GPA of 2.5 or a Lower Second Class Honours degree or its equivalent. Pass degrees will be considered with relevant work experience
- Interview and satisfactory diagnostic test result
- Two academic references.
Programme Objectives:
To produce graduates who:
- Can make a significant contribution to the implementation of a development agenda for small island developing states
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills fit for key senior management and leadership positions in government, civil society and international organisations, including in development analysis and monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes.
- Become positive change agents in their community, work place and country.
Programme Structure and Content:
The degree comprises of thirty-six (36) credits. Each course is worth three (3) credits. Students must select the General Degree or one of three Concentrations at the start of the programme.
Concentrations:
- Master of Science in Development Studies (Social Development Policy)
- Master of Science in Development Studies (Economic Development Policy)
- Master of Science in Development Studies (Governance and Public Policy)
Core Courses
SALI6205 – Global Political Economy
SALI6012 – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
SALI6200 – Understanding Contemporary Society and Development
SALI6031 – Techniques of Applied Social Statistical Analysis
SALI6206 – Small States’ Development: Challenges and Opportunities
SALI6023 – Monitoring and Evaluation
SALI6203 – Leadership Seminar
SALI6011 – Public Policy Analysis and Management
SALI6060 – Research Paper
SALI6000 – Academic Writing for Graduate Students in an E-Learning Environment (Zero credit)
Social Development Policy Concentration
SALI6104 – Social Inequality and Marginalization
SALI6001 – Regulating Sexual Citizenship in ‘Postcolonial’ Nations
SALI6109 – Social Investment in Children
Economic Development Policy Concentration
SALI6020 – Microeconomic Policy Analysis
SALI6022 – Quantitative Methods for Economic Decision Making
SALI6021 - Macroeconomic Policy Analysis
Governance and Public Policy Concentration
SALI6103 – Integration: Policies and Practices in Commonwealth Caribbean OR SALI6081 – Caribbean Politics
SALI6110 – Development Cooperation and Aid Effectiveness
SALI6106 – Deviance, Conflict and Social Management OR SALI6108 – Environment and Sustainable Development
Other important information:
Generally, courses will be offered in asynchronous mode – so students can study at their own pace during each Semester/Term. However, in some courses, facilitators may offer synchronous sessions to facilitate special guest lectures, panel discussions, interactive discussions and group presentations by students.