Online MSc. in Development Studies programme (General or Concentrations in Social Development Policy, Economic Development Policy or Governance and Public Policy)
The Online MSc. in 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 Online 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:
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Expose students to recent social, economic and political developments especially in small developing countries
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Facilitate an understanding of the principles and practices of policy formulation, implementation and evaluation
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Equip students to use quantitative and qualitative techniques in decision-making; and
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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 is a GPA of 2.5 or a Lower Second Class Honours degree or its equivalent.
Programme Objectives:
To produce graduates who:
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Can make a significant contribution to the implementation of a development agenda for small island developing states
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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.
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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:
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Master of Science in Development Studies (Social Development Policy)
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Master of Science in Development Studies (Economic Development Policy)
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Master of Science in Development Studies (Governance and Public Policy)
Core Courses
Semester I
1. SALI6205 – Global Political Economy
2. SALI6012 – Research Methods in the Social Sciences
3. SALI6200–Understanding Contemporary Society and Development
4. SALI6000 - Academic Writing for Graduate Students in an E-Learning Environment (Zero credit)
Semester II
5. SALI6031 – Techniques of Applied Social Statistical Analysis
6. SALI6206 – Small States’ Development: Challenges and Opportunities
7. SALI6023 – Monitoring and Evaluation
** Part-time students must register for SALI6023 in the final year of the programme.
Semester III/Summer Term
8. SALI6203 – Leadership Seminar
9. SALI6011 – Public Policy Analysis and Management
10. SALI6060 – Research Paper
**Students must be in the final semester of the programme to register for SALI6060
In addition to the core courses, students are required to complete any three (3) of the following courses in keeping with their preferred degree option:
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY CONCENTRATION
SALI6104 – Social Inequality and Marginalization (Semester I)
SALI6109 – Social Investment in Children OR SALI6002 – Gender and Human Trafficking (Semester II)
SALI6001 – Regulating Sexual Citizenship in ‘Postcolonial’ Nations (Semester III)
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY CONCENTRATION
SALI6021 – Macroeconomic Policy Analysis (Semester I)
SALI6020 – Microeconomic Policy Analysis (Semester II)
SALI6022 – Quantitative Methods for Economic Decision Making (Semester III)
GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC POLICY CONCENTRATION
SALI6103 – Integration: Policies and Practices in Commonwealth Caribbean OR SALI6081 – Caribbean Politics (Semester I)
SALI6110 – Development Cooperation and Aid Effectiveness (Semester II)
SALI6106 – Deviance, Conflict and Social Management OR SALI6108 – Environment and Sustainable Development (Semester III)
GENERAL DEGREE OPTION
Students can choose a mixture of three (3) courses from any of the concentration courses.
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.
