Master of Development Studies (Professional)

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM:

The Master of Development Studies (Professional) Program at BUP primarily focuses on nurturing professionals well-equipped to address the complex challenges of sustainable development in Bangladesh and beyond. Development Studies is a field which deals with expanding human potential in the changing global contexts by emphasizing on the complex interplay of economic, environmental, social, and political processes with particular emphasis on issues relevant to developing countries. This Program is designed to produce professionals and skilled personnel who are aware of the local, regional, national, and international issues that affect development and who can take a more informed and positive role in shaping the societies in which they live. The 16-month master’s program offers a robust blend of academic and professional training, providing a comprehensive understanding of relevant theories and methodologies in contemporary development studies. Students are equipped not only to conduct rigorous policy analysis and research but also to adeptly manage various development interventions. In this program, key approaches, techniques, and tools for development studies and practice are contextualized within a deeper understanding of their theoretical and methodological frameworks. This approach ensures that our program strikes a harmonious balance between academic depth and professional relevance, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of the real-world development landscape with confidence and expertise. 

KEY FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM:

The program features are as follows:

• Total 51 credit hours: 15 courses with total 45 credits, 4 credit hours dissertation and 2 credit hours viva.  

• English as the medium of instruction

• Classes on Friday and Saturday

• Options for online class (one week per month can be online class).

INTENDED STUDENTS:

This program is designed to provide advanced-level training tailored for both recent graduates and early to mid-career professionals keen on upgrading their expertise or acquiring new skills vital for the development sector. It is crafted for aspiring professionals interested in careers within international and national development agencies or academia. The curriculum focuses on developing research and program management skills crucial for applied research and practical development roles in both government and non-governmental organizations. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION: 

Candidates with any of the following criteria are eligible for admission: 

• Bachelor’s degree (Honors) or its equivalent in any field. Candidates must have obtained minimum 2^nd Class/Division or CGPA-2.5. 
• BA/BSS (Pass). Candidates of Pass Course must have 05 (Five) years of job experience in the development field. 
• Armed forces officers/personnel with any of the above-mentioned degree. Candidates with BA/BSS (pass) degree must have 05 (Five) years of service in the Armed Forces. 

NOTES ON ELIGIBILITY:

• For qualifications/degrees other than those mentioned, equivalence will be determined by Equivalence Committee of BUP. 
• Eligible applicants will have to appear a Written Admission Test followed by a Viva-Voce.
• Date, time, and list of eligible candidates for Admission Test will be published in website and campus notice board and will be notified also through 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Visit https://admission.bup.edu.bd/Admission/Home
• Click on “Apply for Masters Program” and select “Apply” for MDS (Professional) Program. 
• Complete the online application form and submit your application before the deadline.  
• Deposit your application processing fee 1000 Tk. online using your preferred card/mobile financial services/internet banking. Service charge is applicable. Detailed payment procedure is available at “How to Apply” link on admission site: (https://admission.bup.edu.bd/Admission/Home).

MODE OF ADMISSION TEST:

DOCUMENTS TO BE CARRIED DURING VIVA-VOCE:

Candidates must carry the following documents (both original and attested photocopy) during viva-voce, failure of which will be considered as being disqualified for interview: 

• Admit Card (original) 
• Photocopy of Certificate & Mark Sheet of (SSC, HSC, Undergraduate/Graduate Degree & Master’s degree (if any). 
• Photocopy of National Identification (ID) Card. 

DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR FINAL ADMISSION:

• 8 Copies of attested Passport Size Colored Photographs (Name and Roll Number written at the back side). 
• SSC/Equivalent (Certificate & Mark Sheet) Attested Photocopy (3 sets). 
• HSC/Equivalent (Certificate & Mark Sheet) Attested Photocopy (3 sets). 
• Undergraduate/Graduate Degree (Certificate & Mark Sheet) Attested Photocopy (3 sets). 
• Master’s (Certificate & Mark Sheet) Attested Photocopy (3 sets). 
• Experience Certificate (if applicable). 
• Admit Card. 
• National Identification (ID) Card Photocopy. 

Note: Those who have foreign degree(s) must submit the equivalence certificate issued by the concerned authority in Bangladesh.  

ADMISSION INFORMATINO (SESSION 2023-24):

The admission advertisement for the Master of Development Studies (Professional) program for the session 2023-24 has been published on the official BUP website. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the website for detailed admission requirements, application procedures, and important dates.

For further inquiries and assistance, please contact:

Department of Development Studies

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS)

Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)