Development Studies

The Department of Development Studies was established in 2006 as part of the School of Economics and Development within the new Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. This move was in recognition of the dramatic growth of Development Studies graduate programmes originally established in 1999 at the former UPE (University of Port Elizabeth). The suite of programmes included a MA by coursework, as well as Research Masters and a D Phil in Development Studies and now the new Post-graduate Diploma in Maritime Studies. In 2011  the department welcomed its first undergraduate programme in Development Studies, currently offered at Missionvale Campus.

The coursework MA programme in Development Studies is the largest of its kind in Africa. The Department’s research Masters and Doctoral programmes in Development Studies are expanding rapidly with students enrolling from around the globe. The 2009 academic year brought exciting times with its first enrolments for the departments Maritime Studies programme.

The Department of Development Studies at the NMMU, building on its successes, enjoys national, regional and international recognition, based on its internal staff, its network of research associates and visiting scholars, the quality of its work and its commitment to applying its real world challenges. The DSWD is home to approximately six contract researchers and project staff, twelve internal and associate faculty, a range of research associates and visiting professors, a number of support staff, and about 400 graduate-level students. The Department has a number of strategic alliances with regional and international universities and development organizations.

The Department also hosts a growing number of national and international, multi-partner research and development projects. Through a collaborative approach the aim/vision is to establish a world-class facility for advanced and innovative work in Development.

Its prime teaching focus is on graduate studies, but is currently expanding its undergraduate and short course offerings. The Department will be offering a post-matric and skills intensive programme in International Trade and Development in conjunction with Hillsborough Community College (Tampa Bay, Florida) and Highline Community College (Seattle).

The short courses to be rolled out include Train the Development Trainer; Project Management for Development NGOs and CBOs; an Introduction to BBBEE Issues and Practices and Research Methods for Development. Please see the short course page for current offerings.

The Department will also supply on request, on a contract basis, bespoke training courses, programmes and special modules.

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is an engaged and people-centred university that serves the needs of its diverse communities by contributing to sustainable development through excellent academic programmes, research and service delivery.

An Economic Development Unit (EDU) is established within the School of Economics, Development and Tourism, which will reinforce and refine its expertise in project management of social and economic development projects (micro and macro), local economic development; capacity-building in leadership and governance; the incubation of community-oriented business ventures; development-oriented survey research; qualitative and quantitative contract research; and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) work.

Contact Information
Ms Amanda van den Berg
	Position: Lecturer Phone: 27 41 504 4275 E-mail: amanda.vandenberg