JGU Logo
IDEAS Logo

M.Sc. in
Development Practice

Transform Your Vision into Impactful Action

Build your capacity to influence communities and policies through holistic learning and applied fieldwork. This program equips you with the research and leadership skills needed to lead sustainable development initiatives worldwide.

Postgraduate Degree
Duration:
1 Year
Batch Starts: September 2026
Non-Residential, Weekend Classes

Graduate Student

What's in it for you?

Internship

Integrated Internship Opportunities

Combine online learning with paid internships to gain practical experience and industry exposure while pursuing your degree.

Online Learning

Flexible Online Learning

Study through a mix of online classes and in-person sessions, providing the flexibility to balance education with other professional or personal commitments.

Certification

Professional Certification & Credentials

Graduate with recognized academic and professional credentials that enhance your employability in international development, NGOs, government, and policy sectors.

Fieldwork

Hands-On Fieldwork & Research

Engage in real-world development projects and research fieldwork designed to build practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge.

What will you gain from
M.Sc. in Development Practice?

💼
Tangible Career Outcomes

Graduates pursue roles in NGOs, international organizations, government, research, and social enterprises with competitive salary prospects.

💡
Master Critical Development Skills

Gain expertise in policy design, socio–economic analysis, sustainable development, and community engagement.

📘
Hands–On Learning Experience

Engage in fieldwork, research projects, and internships that build real–world capabilities and professional networks.

🌐
Global Relevance & Credentials

Earn credentials recognized by development sector professionals worldwide, enhancing your employability locally and internationally.

Campus Globe with Cap

M.Sc. in Development Practice

A Non-Residential Postgraduate Programme by
O.P. Jindal Global University (IDEAS)

Transform Your Passion for Social Impact into Measurable Change.

Offered by JGU’s Office of Interdisciplinary Studies (IDEAS), this forward-looking programme blends theory, leadership, and field engagement to shape professionals who can drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

Rooted in the belief that development is both a science and an art, the M.Sc. in Development Practice equips you to bridge the gap between policy and practice — empowering you to design innovative solutions for today’s global challenges such as inequality, climate resilience, and economic transformation.

Tuition And Fees

Fee Type Amount (INR) Due Date
Registration Fee 25,000 Upon Acceptance
Tuition Fee 2,25,000.00 As Per University Schedule
Additional Fees Variable Based on materials & activities

Flexible fee payment options available

Scholarships and financial aid opportunities for eligible candidates

1st Year

Trimester 1

Theoretical Perspectives on Development

Introduction to Quantitative Research

Introduction to Qualitative Research

Political Economy of India’s Development

Academic Writing

Trimester 2

Poverty, Inequality & Human Development

Research Design

Project Management & Evaluation

Elective

Elective

Trimester 3

State, Democracy & Social Change

Fieldwork / Immersive Learning

Data Analysis

Elective

Elective

2nd Year

Trimester 1

Evidence & Impact Evaluation

Monitoring & Evaluation Tools

Elective

Elective

Trimester 2

IDEAS Dissertation

Field Internship

Elective

Elective

Trimester 3

Capstone Project

Elective

Elective

Elective

IMPACT Workshops (Bootcamps)

Practice-Oriented
Learning

Real-world, skill-based workshops integrating classroom concepts with field application.

Industry-Aligned
Skills

Focus on applied research, data analysis, policy review, academic writing, and project design.

Career-Focused
Curriculum

Modules crafted to enhance employability and professional readiness in the development sector.

Certified &
Credit-Bearing

Each workshop carries academic credit (worth credit hours) and industry-recognized certification.

Expert-Led
Sessions

Designed and delivered by professionals and domain experts from leading institutions.

Skills You’ll Acquire

Analytical &
Research Skills

Develop interdisciplinary thinking and master both quantitative and qualitative research methods to critically analyze complex development issues.

Technical & Data
Competencies

Develop proficiency in tools like Stata, R, Python, and GIS to analyze, interpret, and visualize complex datasets.

Project Management
& Evaluation

Gain hands-on experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating development projects with practical monitoring tools and frameworks.

Policy Design &
Advocacy

Learn to create evidence-based, inclusive policies and engage effectively with governments, communities, and global organizations.

Community Engagement
& Grassroots Action

Work directly with grassroots communities to apply participatory approaches and co-create sustainable development solutions.

Communication &
Leadership

Build strong communication, teamwork, and leadership skills to present insights, influence policy, and lead diverse teams.

Light bulb

Need to know more?

Explore the M.Sc. in Development Practice in
detail by downloading the full course brochure.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Electives

How is the
M.Sc. in Development Practice Different?

Feature O.P. Jindal Global University M.Sc. in Development Practice Typical Development Studies Programs
Interdisciplinary Curriculum Integrates economics, social sciences, environment, and policy studies for a holistic understanding of development challenges. May focus narrowly on social sciences or economics alone, limiting cross-sector perspectives.
Field-Based Learning & Community Engagement Immersive fieldwork and partnerships with grassroots organizations for real-world application and community impact. Limited or optional fieldwork, often lacking direct community interaction.
Flexible Non-Residential Format Evening classes and virtual options designed to accommodate working professionals and recent graduates. Predominantly full-time residential formats with fixed schedules.
Research and Data Analytics Training Comprehensive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including advanced data analytics tools like GIS, R, and Stata. Basic research skills training, often without advanced analytical tool integration.
Policy Design and Leadership Focus Emphasizes policy formulation skills and leadership development through workshops and practical projects. May focus more on theoretical understanding of policy, lacking practical leadership training.
Global and Local Perspectives Balanced focus on sustainable development in the Global South with global best practices and case studies. Often centered on global development issues without specific focus on regional/local contexts.
Strong Alumni and Professional Network Access to a vibrant network of development practitioners, policymakers, and academics globally and locally. Smaller or less structured alumni and professional engagement opportunities.
Cost-Effective and Accessible Competitive program fees with scholarship options; non-residential delivery reduces relocation costs. Typically higher fees with extensive residential requirements adding to overall costs.

Career Outcomes of Development Practice Graduates from JGU

International Organizations

Work with the UN, World Bank, and global NGOs in consulting, research, and project implementation roles.

Government Agencies

Pursue positions in policy analysis, monitoring, and social welfare initiatives.

Non-Governmental Organizations

Join leading NGOs managing development programs and advocacy campaigns.

Think Tanks & Research Institutions

Analyze data and work on development policies addressing social challenges.

Social Entrepreneurship & CSR

Lead social ventures and CSR initiatives driving innovation for communities.

Development Consultancy

Work as consultants on policy, project design, and impact evaluation.

Faculty

Learn from Industry-Experienced Faculty

Recognitions and Accreditations

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Applicants with a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university are eligible.

Classes are conducted in hybrid mode for flexibility.

Yes, the schedule allows working professionals to continue their jobs.

Yes, immersive fieldwork and real-world projects are part of the program.

Fee details are available on the university website.

Graduates can work in NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.

Yes, the degree is fully recognized nationally and internationally.

Classes are held at the JGU campus with online options for flexibility.

Enquire Now!

JGU Campus