Course Type: Postgraduate (taught)
Training Provider: University College London (UCL)
School/Institute/Dept./Centre: Development Planning Unit (DPU)

The course is strongly interdisciplinary, attracting among others anthropologists, geographers, lawyers, public administrators, economists and politicians. Since the course’s beginnings in the DPU in the mid-1990s, course graduates have engaged in a diversity of professional activities, including local, regional and national government, consultancy firms and national and international NGOs, United Nations programmes, international aid agencies and prestigious universities the world over.

Many graduates return to their previous jobs and others embark on new careers after the course. Examples of organisations where recent graduates are employed include: Asian Development Bank; American Refugee Committee; Canon Collins Trust for Southern Africa; Christian Aid (UK and West Africa); Heifer International; International Institute for Environment and Development (UK); Medical Research Council HIV/AIDS Programme (Uganda); North-West Frontier Province (Pakistan) Finance Department; Save the Children; UNESCO; United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East; World Vision (Zambia); and international consultancy firms such as PADECO (Japan) and Halcrow (UK). A small proportion of graduates pursue advanced research degrees (e.g. PhDs), while several work as academics in reputed universities or as independent consultants.

Introduction

In recent decades the world has witnessed a much faster pace of economic growth, social advancement and expansion in international trade than at any previous time in history. The efforts of governments, private investors and rural and urban communities have been decisive in sustaining this development drive. Yet gaps remain between rich and poor nations, as well as between regions and people within the same country. In many cases, disparities between rich and poor are growing. So while several countries and individuals race ahead in an increasingly globalised world, some lag behind and poverty increases.

At the dawn of a new century development remains a crucial challenge for governments and organisations the world over. For developing countries this means making the best use of their human, natural and cultural resources. For the people and governments of developed nations and international organisations this means ensuring a framework for more equitable and sustainable forms of future development. Trained expertise is crucial in achieving these goals. Of particular importance is the ability to understand and analyse situations and processes that impede or facilitate the development process and to formulate appropriate policies for meeting development goals.

Objectives of the course

The MSc/Postgraduate Diploma Development Administration and Planning (DAP) course is designed to equip participants with the analytical, methodological and practical expertise needed to make a positive contribution to development in countries with which they are actively involved. In particular, it helps students to acquire a range of tools for the formulation of appropriate responses to a diverse range of problems, including those relating to productive capacity, inter-sectoral integration, economic and social diversification and self-sufficiency. The course examines strategies for better export performance and efficiency in production, combined with policies relating to questions of distribution and, in particular, the reduction of poverty and inequality.

By critically examining the theory and practice of development administration at the international, national and regional levels in a variety of contexts, the course seeks to provide participants with an understanding of the processes generating social change and with the skills and abilities to respond to such change. The course retains the DPU’s long-standing preoccupation with planning for and with action. Its approach is critical, analytical and comparative so that it leads to discovery and exploration.

The field trip, conducted in a developing country, gives students the opportunity to study both the real problems addressed in development, and the cultural, administrative and institutional context in which decisions are made.

Course structure

The course is structured so that 75% of the taught components of the course (90 credits) are devoted to the core subjects of development administration and planning and 25% (30 credits) to an option from a range of modules on offer. The core modules provide the theoretical and methodological components of the course while the optional modules allow students to examine different problems and approaches in accordance with their own particular interests.

The course consists of reading, essay writing, and individual and group project work, in the context of lectures, seminars, workshops, case study analysis, and a fieldtrip abroad. In recent years fieldtrip destinations have included Ghana and Egypt, while previous years involved trips mainly to countries in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Student performance is assessed through course work, unseen examinations and a final dissertation report.

The dissertation report

In addition to the taught and fieldwork components, the course involves the preparation of a 10,000-word individual report (equivalent to 60 credits) on a topic selected by the student.

EXAMPLES OF STUDENT REPORTS

• The Impact of Decentralisation on the Education Sector: The Case of Zambia
• Needle in a Haystack: Searching for Civil Society in the Social Republic of Vietnam
• Street Children: Beyond Gendered Assumptions. A Case Study of Brazil
• Collective Rural Land Ownership in China: A Sustainable Commons Regime or a System on the Road to Privatisation?
• The Poverty Reduction Strategy Approach and its Impact on Local Governance in Uganda
• Continuity and Rupture in Development. A Critical Analysis of the Post- Washington Consensus Approach to Development
  
• A Bitter Aftertaste? Fair Trade Coffee, North-South Interactions and the Potential for Sustainable Development. The Experience of Latin America

Core Modules

With the exception of module BENVAP04, core modules span two academic terms (September to March). Modules BENVAP01 and BENVAP04 are compulsory to all students enrolled in the programme. Students are offered a choice of either BENVAP02 or BENVAP03. The remaining credits must be taken from the range of modules currently on offer, including those listed below under Optional modules.

MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING FOR DEVELOPMENT: INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL DIMENSIONS (BENVAP01)

The module introduces basic notions of development management and administration, state, market and bureaucracy, and the role of NGOs in the development process. It places national development in the context of the international division of labour and examines alternatives to hegemonic development practices. It critically reviews the recent history of international aid, particularly its implications for poverty reduction, growth and equity.
The national dimensions of development are also critically explored, particularly in terms of a range of development trends and interventions such as national and regional development planning and key aspects of local, metropolitan and regional development.

On completion students will have:

• solid working knowledge of key concepts from the management and planning literature;
• a sound understanding of the nature and development implications of a range of development interventions and instruments including national, sectoral and regional plans and development projects;
• a critical understanding of the economics and politics of aid, the policy process and the actors involved in it; and
• the ability to understand the implications of specific approaches to aid policy and its impact on developing country economies and social structures.

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT: LAND, FOOD AND AGRICULTURE (BENVAP02)

This module seeks to introduce participants to the historical evolution of the theories and ideas underpinning development interventions. It places specific topics such as food security and production, rural social relations, agro-industrial development and natural resource management in the context of wider theories of development.

On completion students will have:

• an in-depth knowledge of key concepts, the historical evolution of development paradigms and current debates on development theory;
• an understanding of the notion of globalisation in development thinking and practice;
• a sound understanding of the central role played by agrarian issues in these theorisations; and
• the ability to understand specific intervention strategies in the areas of food production, agrarian reform and rural development.
  

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT: INDUSTRIALISATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE (BENVAP03)

This module introduces participants to the historical evolution of the theories and ideas underpinning development interventions. It examines critically the contribution of industrialisation and infrastructure to national, regional and local development in developing countries.

On completion students will have:

• an in-depth knowledge of key concepts, the historical evolution of development paradigms and current debates on development theory;
• an understanding of the notion of globalisation in development thinking and practice;
• a sound understanding of the central role played by industrialisation in these theorisations;
• an understanding of how different governance frameworks as applied to infrastructure development can influence poverty levels, inequality and economic growth;
• knowledge about the links between livelihoods, industrialisation and infrastructure; and
• the ability to understand the changing nature of specific policy approaches to industrialisation and infrastructure creation and their economic, social and environmental implications at the national, regional and local levels in developing countries.
  

DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE (BENVAP04)

This is a composite module spanning three terms (October to June). It consists of four principal elements as follows:

• A London-based team exercise comprising the design of a development project or other form of development intervention
• Themed workshops in the first term (September to December)
• Overseas field trip in the third term (April to June): field visit, preceded by individual and group preparation activities (including lectures, private reading of case material, group discussion and seminars), followed by group discussions and presentation, and finally the production of an individual report
• A series of skills development seminars
  

On completion students will:

• have been exposed to a complex set of challenges demanding planned intervention, and be introduced to a range of methodologies for diagnosis and strategy development
• have built up essential academic and professional skills;
• be able to critically evaluate the effects and impacts of development initiatives;
• have acquired a better appreciation of the institutional, cultural, human and physical opportunities and constraints in which development interventions take place.
  

Optional Modules

A number of 30-credit options are available to students enrolled in the DAP programme. These include:

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE
Two modules can be chosen as options. The first option (BENVSD01) introduces social development and the social agenda with specific emphasis on understanding and planning for socially sensitive development through an examination of diversity, including gender; social inclusion; socially sensitive policy formulation, design of indicators and social impact assessment. The concept of participation as a way of ensuring socially sensitive development is critiqued and a number of participatory methodologies and tools, used at different stages of development interventions, are examined and practiced. Students undertake two practical assignments in London Boroughs; one as part of the ‘Tools in Action’ component and the other a more substantial piece of work undertaking a social impact assessment. The second option (BENVSD02) is a critique of key development paradigms; liberalism/neo-liberalism; Marxism; reformism and theories of underdevelopment. It specifically addresses the role that the various paradigms have assigned to government (state), market and civil society and how the key societal concerns of social justice, efficiency in the allocation of scarce resources, freedom and security are met (or not met). The theme of poverty, as a manifestation of inequalities at both the national and international levels, is developed. Causes of poverty, poverty assessment and governmental and donor anti-poverty policies are discussed, as well as the roles of civil society and the market.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Two ESD modules can be chosen as options. The first option (BENVES01) offers a comprehensive review of the contemporary debate on development and environmental sustainability. It further provides participants with a critical understanding of environmental conflicts, and of various approaches to environmental governance, the policy process, the mechanisms and the key agents involved. Within the second option (BENVES02) participants learn to identify environmental problems in urban areas and their underlying causes and how to go about applying environmental planning and management to solve these problems to move towards sustainable development.

URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
Three of the UDP modules currently on offer can be chosen as options. The first option (BENVUP01) explores the economic, social and physical transformation and restructuring of cities in the wider context of development and globalisation. In assessing the challenges this poses for urban development planning, the roles and relations of actors in civil society, the public and private sectors are examined in theory and practice. The institutional and organisation frameworks in which they operate are reviewed, while investigating access to and control over financial, human and physical resources in the context of contemporary urban development planning practice.

The second option (BENVUP02) explores strategic action in urban development policy, planning and management which recognizes social justice in cities. In this light, it reviews the evolution of urban development interventions and define the theoretical and methodological challenges which face contemporary urban development in different parts of the world. To this end, it also assesses a range of cases of urban development practice, drawing out their contribution to the current debates on strategic action towards social justice in urban development policy, planning and management. Finally, it explores the implications of these debates for problem diagnosis, participation, organizational development and ‘public learning’ in strategic urban action.

A third option (BENVUP04) examines gender relations in the socio-economic, political and environmental processes in the development of human settlements. In doing so, it highlights the intersection of gender with other social relations, examining diversity and difference in human settlements. In assessing the challenge this poses for urban development planning, the institutionalisation of gender equality in policy, planning and management of human settlements are explored. Gender relations in a range of development sectors are assessed and the conditions for gender mainstreaming in these sectors discussed.

COSMOPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT
There is currently one module on offer under this option. The module blends theory with practice. It introduces the concepts and principles of cosmopolitan development in the contexts of collective cultural identities and intercultural relations of conflict and co-existence, globalisation and civilisational responses in different world regions. It presents the principles of cosmopolitan development as a basis for planning in both multicultural and culturally divided cities and, with the aid of a planning manual and mini-research projects, traces through the methodology of reconnaissance, analysis and diagnostics leading to policy, programme and project formulation to promote cultural co-existence and conflict management in urban settings.

Learning Outcomes

The MSc Development Administration and Planning provides participants with the following:

Knowledge and Understanding of:

• Changing approaches to public administration and proposals for administrative reform; debates surrounding the changing nature of the state from the 1980s onwards; the practical implications of privatisation and ‘new public management’.
• Historical evolution of development theories and the relationship between theory and development policy in practice.
• Industrialisation and infrastructure as key elements in narrowing the North-South divide and giving developing countries greater autonomy.
• Rural social relations, food security, agricultural production and rural resource management.
• National and sub-national planning, programmes and projects as tools of development management.

Intellectual Skills:

The programme aims to help students:

• To develop analytical and critical skills in the interpretation of social, economic and political processes, particularly in the context of development.
• To examine critically specific development situations and offer strategic proposals to deal with these in a culturally sensitive, socially more equitable, and environmentally and economically sustainable manner.

Practical Skills:

The programme helps students:

• To prepare well-supported and critical (written and oral) analyses of theory and empirical evidence
• To formulate systematic and well-supported proposals aimed at dealing with the complexity of a range of development situations
• Acquire basic academic, presentation and negotiation skills
• Acquire basic research skills including the formulation of a conceptual framework and use of a range of information sources
• Acquire multi-disciplinary team-working skills
• Operate professionally in an unfamiliar environment in a developing country context
  

Transferable Skills:

The programme encourages students to:

• Write well-argued essays and reports
• Use computer resources and information technology
• Present material orally and visually
• Listen and contribute to group discussions
• Challenge conventional wisdom
• Reflect on their own ideas by becoming more tolerant of and acquainted with unfamiliar ideas and practices
• Live and work in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural environment
• Critically assess evidence for themselves through independent judgement
• Develop negotiation skills
• Improve time management and develop self-discipline
  

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies:

seminars, lectures and work in small teams (both inside and outside the classroom);

• individual reading and research;
• integrative 2-3 day workshops;
• subject-specific academic skills sessions;
• overseas fieldtrip to a developing country and subsequent presentation and report

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods: unseen examinations, individual essays (typically 2,000 to 3,000 words in length), course work, team work reports, oral presentations and a 10,000 word dissertation report.

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Staff:
Staff who teach in the course include professionals from a wide range of professional and national backgrounds and experience. Regular teaching is complemented by occasional lectures from a range of invited practitioners and academics. For more information about the staff listed below click on People.

COURSE DIRECTOR: Julio D Dávila, BSc Civ Eng (Colombia), Dip Urb Plan, MSc, PhD (London)
Development planner. Academic interests: urban development policy, industrialisation, infrastructure, urban and peri-urban environmental policy, urban-rural linkages.

Robert Biel, MA (Camb), MA (Sussex), PhD (LSE)
Political scientist and international relations specialist. Academic interests: international political economy; structural issues in North-South relations; social policy.

Jorge Fiori, BA, MSc (Chile)
Sociologist. Academic interests: globalisation, structural adjustment, urban development, housing, urban social policy, urban governance and institutional reforms.

Zeremariam Fre, MSc, PhD (Reading)
Agriculture specialist. Academic interests: pastoralism, indigenous knowledge and arid land resource management. Executive director of PENHA (Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa).

James Oporia-Ekwaro, BA (Uganda), MA (Canada)
Academic interests: Aid and NGOs in Africa. Former Ugandan Ambassador to People’s Republic of China. Presently Director of the Africa Policy Forum.

Robinson Rojas, BSc, PhD
Development economist. Academic interests: political economy of development; social, political and economic effects of the process of globalisation, education for sustainability and the political economy of the world economy.

Michael Walls, BA (Auckland), BCom (Auckland), MSc (London)
Development manager and planner. Academic interests: urban and rural development, project management, national and regional planning.


Entry Requirements:
Candidates should have a first degree, awarded by a university or polytechnic, approved by the University of London. Candidates who lack the required qualifications but have other relevant educational or professional experience may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Proficiency in English is essential for the course. University College London requirements are IELTS: 6.5 (with a score no lower than 6.0 in any of the sub-tests) or TOEFL: 237 plus score of 4 in essay writing (computerised test).

Course Duration:
The course commences in September each year and lasts for 12 calendar months. Students who cannot devote a whole year to full-time study may enrol part-time over a maximum of five years.

Language(s) of Instruction:

• English

Mode of Study:

• residential

Thematic Focus:

• Anthropology/Sociology
• Civil Society/NGO Management
• Development Administration
• Development Economics
• Development Management
• Development Policy
• Development Studies
• Environmental Issues
• Gender Issues
• Globalisation
• Governance
• Poverty Analysis
• Project Planning
• Social Policy and Development
• Urban Studies and Planning
• :Other:

Country(ies):

• United Kingdom

Town(s) or City(ies):
London

Course fees:
Tuition fees are fixed annually by University College London and are therefore subject to modification. The fee for this course for the 2005/06 academic year for overseas students is £12,750 and for European Union students £6,250. The fee covers the cost of all tuition and basic course costs, including field visits and the field trip overseas. Participants should allow approximately £900 per month to cover the cost of living, clothing, books and local travel in London.

Course's Webpage:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/dpu/courses/dap.htm