BDevS Course, Bachelor of Development Studies
The development of a place or an overall nation depends upon various factors like public health, economic conditions, infrastructure, demography, geography, and more. Policies to develop one region might vary from others due to the challenges that each of these factors faces.
This is where Development Studies comes in handy. Moreover, it helps individuals to develop policies and channel the economy and manpower in the context of certain areas considering obstacles.
Overview
Bachelor of Development Studies, BDevS course is just like its name suggests. It is all about education regarding the techniques and principles for developing societies and countries.
Both developed and under-developing nations require a labor force that can practice and maintain sustainable growth. So, the structure of the BDevS course might differ depending upon countries. But, it cannot be neglected that it is an integral program for community growth.
BDevS Course in Nepal
The BDevS is one of the important educational courses for developing nations like Nepal. It prepares individuals to form policies and structures for the country’s growth.
Kathmandu University started offering the BDevS course in 1999. People gradually started to realize its importance for Nepal and its South Asian neighboring nations. So, this program is now internationally recognized.
Besides KU, Pokhara University (PoU) also provides BDevS courses in Nepal. As of 2023, these 2 are the only institutions to teach this program.
General Information
Bachelor of Development Studies is a demand-driven and well-recognized program in national and international professions. This program is principally a humanities and social science program offered by Universities in Nepal. Our world is engulfed with developmental challenges whether there is inequality issue, poverty issue, labour and migration issues, foreign employment challenges, fiscal and financial deficits, environmental hazards, or geographic conditions people.
The surrounding there are in dire need of upliftment through development works from paper to work.So an academic program such as Bachelor of Development Studies is a program that looks at micro aspects of development and causes and impacts of unequal development from the curricula of Kathmandu University and Pokhara University of Nepal.
Now, let us look at the table below which compares the 3 factors of the BDevS course; number of colleges and seats, and credit hours.
University |
No. of Colleges |
No. of Seats |
Credit Hours |
KU |
1 |
66 |
130 |
PoU |
2 |
96 |
120 |
Course Structure
The Bachelor of Development Studies course is an interdisciplinary subject. To fully comprehend the concept of the program and gain an idea about core principles, one has to study different disciplines that aid in developing the nation.
The BDevS course is designed by compiling different disciplines like economics, sociology, governance, anthropology, and many more. Here are some of the areas that the BDevS syllabus covers;
- Population Studies
- Environment and Development
- Demography
- Migration and Urbanization
- Statistics
- Rural and Regional Development
Besides this, the BDevS consists of project and research work which will help to increase the understanding of the topics among the students. After completing the program, they will gain all the required skills and education to work in the related field.
Objective of BDEVS
The objectives of the Bachelor of Development course are provided below:-
- To develop students’ understanding of the concepts of development.
- To educate them about social, economic, political, and environmental aspects that help in the country’s growth.
- To train individuals and grant them the research skills that are required to collect the data to develop societies.
- To teach them to design policies and ways to implement them.
- To impart ethical knowledge and critical thinking abilities among the students.
Eligibility for BDEVS
Anyone interested in studying BDevS courses must meet the following criteria to be eligible to study the program.
KU |
PoU |
|
|
- Should have cleared their intermediate or equivalent level with at least 45% or 2.0 CGPA in aggregate.
- Should clear the admission test conducted by the university with 40% of the total marks.
- Should clear the personal interview after the entrance examination.
- Must have passed their 10+2 or any other similar level of education in any stream by securing at least a 1.8 CGPA or D+ grade.
- Should pass the entrance examination.
Scope of BDEVS
Bachelor of Development Studies course produces manpower that can aid in the nation's development. They can help understand the issues that are hindering it and make policies accordingly to uplift the country’s economic and socio-cultural conditions.
Developing countries all around the world require this manpower for progress. The developed nations also seek for them to maintain their growth in different fields. This proves that the scope of BDevS courses is wide.
The BDevS course holders can work for different NGOs/INGOs, Government offices, and Private and International organizations. They can work for any institution that focuses on the development of any kind.
Here are some of the scopes for the BDevS course holder:-
- Policy Maker
- Project Manager
- Researcher
- Development Officer
- Environmental Specialist
- Social Worker
Admission Requirement for BDEVS
Universities providing the BDevS course conduct entrance examinations every year. Students must pass it to be eligible for the admission procedure.
The applicants must clear the admission test with a certain threshold score. The university or college will consider these marks while preparing the merit list for both admission and scholarships.
Depending upon the university’s regulation they might require you to attend the personal interview. It is essential to pass your interview to get admission in the universities. After meeting admission criteria for university of your interest, you can proceed for admission if you meet all the above-mentioned criteria.
The administration might ask for the document listed below with you:-
- Marksheet, Character, and Proof Certificate of SEE/ SLC
- Transcript, mark sheet and migration, and character certificate of 10+2 or any equivalent course
- Copy of citizenship
Fee Structure
Students who have chosen public affiliation campuses for Bachelor of Development Studies are paying cheaper tution fee in comparision ot the students who have selected private colleges for Bachelor of Development Studies.
It has been observed that students are paying around Rs. 3 lakhs for Bachleor in Development Student in public colleges. However, it has been seen that the private colleges are charging around Rs. 6 lakhs and 50.
Please be aware that the mentioned price above is just an estimated value. We advise you to personally visit the college administration to find out the BDevS course fee structure.
Scholarships
There is a provision of scholarships for students who want to pursue a BDevS course. However, it depends upon the university's policies. Let us look at the variety of scholarships;
PoU |
KU |
|
|
- The constituent campus of Pokhara University offers full scholarships to 20% of the total available seats.
- Colleges that provide BDevS courses in affiliation with PoU offer scholarships to 5% of the total students. The institution waives a certain amount of fees for the deserving students.
- Kathmandu University offers a South Asian Foundation scholarship in which 100% of the total fee is waived for students belonging to South Asian nations.
- KU provides toppers scholarships (40-50%) to needy and diligent students according to its policies.