We see the role of staff and students as an endeavour to explore the possibilities to sustainably develop the universe. This ambition can be pursued through the programmes we offer. KYU is committed to supporting this objective by offering “knowledge and skills for service”.

About Us

Bachelor of Development Studies (BDS) which was started in September 2005 in the Department of Teacher Education and Development studies in the Faculty of Education.

Currently, the Department is under the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

 Every year the programme has attracted on average 400 students both on day and evening programme thus being sustainable. Many students have graduated, been employed and contributing greatly to National Development.

The Bachelor of Development Studies (BDS) Programme targets all professionals and Advanced Level students with a minimum of two principal passes of any combination. The graduates become Development workers in all sectors of the economy and they are employable both in the public and private sectors. Admission into the programme, fees to be paid, examinations and administration are in accordance with Kyambogo University Undergraduate Programme guidelines or as determined by Council from time to time. The existing staff, space resource Centre, library and other facilities in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and other related Faculties are used, while part-time and visiting lecturers are sometimes requested to support when the need arises.

KYU began this department due to the need for qualified personnel with values to tackle development issues. The courses offered are both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary; examining key development issues and problems common to developing areas of the world. The course units are designed to help students gain knowledge and skills to deal with the problems and challenges of their communities and apply them to real-life situations in developing countries.

The overall management of BDS is done by the Development Studies Department in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. It is a three-year programme of six semesters and it is delivered as a taught programme that includes course work, examinations and internship. All the six semesters involve course work and examinations where an individual candidate sits for six courses every semester plus an internship at the end of semester 4 for 10 weeks. Those who offer research project which is an elective course, sit for five courses in semester II of year III. The graduation load is between 113-115 Credit units. Each student must pass all the courses at a minimum of 50% before graduating.

What is unique about the Department?

The Development Studies department offers multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, giving its students a wide range of opportunities in the job market. It is equipped with adequate and highly qualified staff readily available to the students. Apart from its classroom academic work, the department also engages in effective research, community outreach activities, staff development, recruiting and training of staff.

Our Offerings – Courses

Future Prospects

  1. Strengthening professional development of Development Students graduates through specialized practicum practice.
  2. Designing Other undergraduate programs specializations in either clinical practise or social policy
  3. Forging more networks with both local and international that will enrich our community outreach initiatives.
  4. Engaging in evidence-based research to generate knowledge that will inform social policy and programming in Uganda and Africa. 

Partners/collaborations

  • Oslo Metropolitan University (we teach exchange students of Development Studies)
  • Association of Commonwealth Universities ( Sponsor summer School students from the United Kingdom)