MASTER OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES



Programme Overview

The Master of Development Studies is a multidisciplinary programme that sets to provide solid grounding in development from theoretical, conceptual, historical and contemporary perspectives, as well as a good grasp of empirical research, policy analysis, and development in practice particularly applicable to development scholars, practitioners and policymakers. The programme exposes students to development theories and a wide range of topics related to development. The students are also trained to conduct research in development studies.


Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester, (Coursework)

Programme Structure

Core Courses (24 credits)
  1. Research Methodology
  2. Research Project
  3. Development Theory and Practice
  4. Globalization and Development
  5. Sociology of Development

Elective Courses (18 credits)
  1. Social Protection
  2. Political Economy
  3. Public Policy Analysis
  4. Social Policy and Development
  5. Planning and Community Development
  6. Applied Econometrics
  7. Poverty and Inequality
  8. Gender Issues In Development
  9. Climate Change and Development
  10. Environmental Sustainability In Organisations
  11. Sustainable Finance
  12. Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Development
  13. Institutions and Industrial Development

Career Prospects

Development Consultant, Policy Analyst, Project Manager, Program Coordinator, Research Analyst, Social Development Specialist, International Development Officer, NGO Manager, Economic Development Planner, Community Development Officer, Social Policy Advisor, Environmental Consultant, Gender Specialist, Public Sector Development Advisor, Sustainable Development Consultant, Global Development Analyst, Poverty Reduction Specialist, Climate Change Analyst, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Urban Development Planner.

Tuition Fee

Local

RM22,600

International

RM45,100

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
For applicants with a CGPA of not less that 3.00:
  • Possess a Bachelor's Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or
For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50-2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following):
  • Graduate from Universiti Malaya; or
  • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
  • Produce publications in related field; or
  • Receive a scholarship; or
  • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
  • Pass an interview conducted by Faculty; or
  • Pass a Special evaluation by Faculty.

Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possessed a Bachelor Degree (Honours)
  • Equivalent Qualification: N/A
  • Related Fields: Development Studies -related fields
  • Special Requirements: 
    1. Possess sufficient knowledge in development studies or related fields.
    2. Passed the interview by the Faculty

English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications & Tests – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable