IIT-H launches programme in development studies

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Hyderabad on Monday launched a master’s programme in development studies.

The programme would adopt an inter-disciplinary approach to study development. Applications would be available on the institute’s website between May 4 and June 4, an official release issued by the institute said.

Offered by the liberal arts department, the two-year programme offers student a formidable platform to engage with contemporary research in India and globally. Also, it opens up career paths such as development practice in grassroots organizations, employment in national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), donor agencies and corporate sector (corporate social responsibility). It would also aid students



interested in pursuing a career in civil services or academia.

Speaking about the importance of the new course, Haripriya Narasimhan, head, department of liberal arts, IITHyderabad, said: “The concern with development encompasses all aspects of human life — physical, psychological, cultural, political, economic and ecological. The challenge is to train and conceive of professionals and roles that can critically inform ways in which these different areas of life affect one another. The development studies programme does just that.”

In this programme, students would pursue 16 courses, each course worth three credits, over three semesters. They would also undertake internship after a year of course work.