Programme Description
Development Planning Programme is a four-year programme that leads to the award of Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Development Planning.
The overarching objective of the programme is to introduce students to the formulation of policies, plans, programmes and projects for development.
It deals with policy formulation at the national, regional and local levels. In terms of plan preparation, considerable emphasis is given to local level
development through the preparation and management of development plans. A student who has met the objectives of the programme should be capable of:
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increasing production based on an optimal combination of factors of production;
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restructuring rural economies;
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improving the development and management of district economies and environment;
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developing linkages between lower and upper circuit activities, particularly in relation to industrial development; and
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promoting techniques for effective political-technical interaction and community participation.
Duration and Structure of the Programme
The has a four-year duration. It consists of course work as well as oral examinations in Workshops and a Special Study (Research Project). The programme duration is divided into two semesters per year with a total of approximately 40 courses offered in the programme. (For the course details and structure refer to Appendix 1).
A minimum of 135 credit hours is required for graduation. It is appropriate to intimate the fact that the undergraduate programme in development planning represents one of the essential and fundamental academic activities in the Department and create the opportunity for further specialization at the postgraduate level.
Vacation Training
Traditionally, students of the Department are regularly posted to development and planning related institutions for vacation training attachments. The aim of the vacation training exercises is to provide opportunity to all students in the Department to have on-the-job training before leaving the programme. The basic rationale and strategy for posting are premised on ensuring that participating organisations could mutually benefit from this form of collaboration with the Department. This is because the students, having gone through at least one year of training, are well positioned to effectively add value to the operations and planning efforts of the participating organisations.
Examination and Requirements for Graduation
Based on University rules and regulations, the Department operates a system of continuous assessment. Candidates are exposed to a variety of tests in course work and oral examinations on workshops as well as grades for the Special Study. On successful completion of the Programmes, the B.Sc Development Planning degree is awarded in the following grades on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners:
First Class (CWA from 70 – 100)
Second Class Upper Division (CWA from 60 – 69
Second Class Lower Division (CWA from 50 – 59)
Pass (CWA from 45 – 49)
Job Opportunities
Graduates are usually absorbed by the main integrative planning agencies. In addition, they are qualified to provide development planning inputs to the sectoral planning agencies such as health, education, agriculture and transportation. Graduates are now increasingly securing employment with non-governmental organisations, District Assemblies, development research units and special purpose agencies among others