Azim Premji

University

Master of Arts in
Development
Equipping practitioners for social change
Why Azim Premji
University?
Combined learning from both theory and practice

Collaborative learning environment

Diverse and inclusive community

Student support systems at various levels

Vibrant campus life

Why Development?
At Azim Premji University, we envision a world that is equitable,
just, humane and sustainable. We view ʻdevelopmentʼ as a process as
much as an outcome. We realize that achieving such an aim requires
engagement with the market, state, and community-based
institutions to find inclusive pathways and overcome hurdles,
especially for those whose voices are not heard.

Our M.A Development programme aims to develop future

development practitioners, guided by constitutional values of justice,
liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. We follow multidisciplinary
and transdisciplinary approaches to help students understand different theories of
development, analyse important developmental challenges of today,
and examine possible strategies to resolve them.
The programme enables students to develop:
Historically and socially grounded
understanding of Indiaʼs development journey

Experiential learning about the lived realities of

diverse communities and individuals

Ethical sensibilities and practical

competencies for development actions

Student Speak

“MA. Development is designed as a combination

of both theory and practical experiences.
It is important to understand ground realities
which will help me make changes in society.”
- Anuva Mondal

“This programme helps me understand how

development has been viewed historically…
and question and understand how development
happens, which I find quite exciting.”
- Bilal Ahamed
The programme
The two-year programme prepares students to work towards social
change which promotes equity, justice, and sustainability.

Courses are taught by academics

and practitioners through classroom
lectures and discussions, workshops,
games and simulations, guest lectures,
colloquia, and field practice.
Eligibility Criteria
A Bachelorʼs degree in any discipline from a
recognised university in India or abroad.
Bachelorʼs students appearing for final exams can
apply if they complete their graduation before
the commencement of the academic programme.
The offer of provisional admission will be valid
only on successful completion of graduation.

The selection process has

the following steps:
• National Entrance Test (assessing general reasoning, reading, and writing capabilities)
• Individual interviews with programme faculty, for shortlisted candidates
We believe nobody should be denied admission because of financial
constraints. We offer scholarships and other forms of financial assistance.

Candidates with prior work experience

are encouraged to apply.

• All working professionals with 3+ years of work experience

after graduation are eligible for a 50% waiver on tuition fee.

• Full fee waiver on tuition and accommodation charges for

students with family income less than 2 lakhs annually.

• If the applicantʼs family is from an income band of 2 lakhs

to 7 lakhs per annum, we offer partial scholarships
covering tuition and accommodation.
Programme Structure
It is a 72-credit, two-year, full-time postgraduate degree programme.
There are four semesters and extensive field engagements.

Year 1 has eight mandatory

core courses:
01 Economy and development: the Indian experience
02 Sociology of modern India
03 Ecology and development
04 Foundations of social research and reasoning
05 Methods for social research and action
06 Social interventions
07 Theories and histories of development
08 State, democracy, and civil society in India
Year 2 Students select from eight
electives out of 50+ courses
usually on offer.

Examples of electives:

Health, food and nutrition:

• Critical perspectives on mental health
• Food, nutrition and action
• Public health care, rights, and accountability

Gender:

Field
•
Practice
Gender and development
• Women and work

Policy and perspectives: Livelihoods and competencies:

• Perspectives on the political • Competencies for designing livelihood interventions
economy of labour • Building member-based organisations
• Poverty concepts, measurement • Understanding livelihoods: perspectives,
and critiques
concepts and theories

Environment and sustainability:

• Water: Resource, history, management and challenges
• Sustainable agriculture and development
• GIS for sustainability
Field Practice
The programme includes mandatory credited field practice
components requiring 16 weeks of stay in rural or urban field
locations. The Field Immersion happens during the first semester
and the Field Internship takes place after completion of the
second semester. Preparation for the Field Project starts in the
third semester and the fieldwork is completed before the start of
the fourth semester.

s)
ks (6 Credit
08 Wee
edits)
eks (4 Cr
06 We Field Project
edits)
eks (2 Cr
02 We Field Internship Initiative
Exploration
Field Immersion Participation
Reflection
Observation
Reflection
Faculty Members
Members of the faculty are from inter/multi/transdisciplinary backgrounds.
The team includes accomplished academicians, researchers, teachers, and
experienced development practitioners. They facilitate a vibrant and
collaborative learning environment that encourages dialogue and builds
critical thinking and competencies for action. All faculty members provide
mentoring support to the students beyond the classrooms.
 Placements
Over 300 organisations have participated in the campus placements so far. These
range from large philanthropic foundations, small grassroots organisations,
research and advocacy institutions, CSR organisations, and quasi-government
bodies. More than 90% of former students are currently working
in the social sector, reflecting their social commitment.

Career Opportunities
Where can you work after the course?
• NGOs and voluntary organisations
• Social enterprises, producer collectives, FPOs
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
and philanthropic foundations
• Research and advocacy organisations think tanks
• Government organisations

Typical work responsibilities include grassroots level community mobilisation, local

institution building, programme implementation, planning, monitoring & evaluation (PME),
documentation, fundraising or research for advocacy.
Alumni Speak

“Specialization in Livelihood was one of the best

decisions I made while at Azim Premji University.
The M.A. Development programme's wide
variety of courses and motivation from faculty
and peers helped me get clear insights about the
social sector in terms of Concepts, Purpose and
Practices,"

-Satendrasingh Lilhare,
M.A Development, 2014-16,
Founder BastaR se BazaaR tak,
Chhattisgarh.
“Azim Premji University gave me new lenses for
introspection and to look at the outside world.
During my course, I learn various perspectives
about the development of society. My professor
provides a space where I can use my best
potential during the course. In the last four years
I never felt that I am an alumni of APU, my
relationship is that strong with the University”

-Vaibhav Vimal Ganesh Sonone,

M.A Development, 2016-18, Executive at
PRADAN, Mohgaon, Mandla, Madhya Pradesh.
Campus Life
Azim Premji Universityʼs diverse and inclusive
student population keeps the new campus buzz-
ing with multiple clubs, student committees,
sports, and other initiatives.

Accommodation
Student accommodation is provided at the
university residences on request.

Community Engagement
The Universityʼs Community Engagement Cell
promotes student engagement with the local
communities (7 panchayats near the campus)
in the domains of environmental sustainability,
agriculture, education, health, and traditional
crafts. Students can utilize this immensely
valuable opportunity to engage with local
communities and enrich their own
multi-dimensional learning.
 Azim Premji
University

Contact Us
Azim Premji Univeristy, Bangalore
Burugunte, Bikkanahalli Main Road,
Sarjapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka- 562 125
Email : [email protected] | Mobile : 8971898888 |
Apply at : https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/programmes/ma-in-development