School of Environmental Sciences
Institute of Development Studies
Bachelor of Science with Honours in
Development Studies
Degree Designation: B.Sc. (Hons) Development Studies
Introduction
Development Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the economic, social, political, and cultural dimensions of development processes in local, national, and global contexts. It equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyse development challenges and design effective interventions that promote sustainable, equitable, and inclusive growth.
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Development Studies programme at Njala University prepares students to engage critically with issues of poverty, inequality, governance, and environmental sustainability. Students acquire competencies in research, project management, policy analysis, and community engagement to contribute meaningfully to national and international development agendas.
Development is not merely an economic process — it is a human journey. Addressing Sierra Leone's development challenges requires trained professionals who can bridge theory, policy, and community-level practice.
Rationale
Sierra Leone faces significant development challenges including poverty, food insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, health disparities, and environmental degradation. There is an urgent need for development professionals who can work across sectors to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate development programmes that are culturally informed, data-driven, and context-sensitive.
By applying interdisciplinary perspectives, graduates of this programme are equipped to engage with governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations, international development bodies, and the private sector to advance Sierra Leone's development priorities and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Aims, Goals & Objectives
This programme aims to provide students with a strong foundation in development theory, research methods, and policy practice. Graduates will be capable of contributing to economic, social, and environmental development at community, national, and international levels.
Analysing Development
Students develop skills to critically analyse development challenges and evaluate theoretical frameworks and policy approaches.
Global & Local Perspectives
Students examine development issues from both global theoretical perspectives and local Sierra Leonean contexts.
Policy & Planning
Students gain competencies in development planning, policy analysis, and programme design and evaluation.
Research Skills
Students develop quantitative and qualitative research methods for evidence-based development practice.
Community Engagement
Students learn participatory approaches to engage communities and civil society in development processes.
Target Group
This programme is open to high school graduates with backgrounds in the humanities, social sciences, and applied sciences including economics, geography, history, and biology.
Intended career pathways:
- Development planning and programme management
- NGO and civil society organisations
- Government ministries and development agencies
- International development organisations (UN, World Bank)
- Research and policy consultancy
- Postgraduate studies in development and social sciences
Entry Requirements
General University Requirements:
Five credits at GCE "O" Level or WASSCE, including English Language, in not more than two (2) sittings.
Departmental Requirements:
At least grade 6 or better in five subjects, including at least two from: Economics, Geography, History, Biology, Mathematics, Integrated Science, or Social Studies.
Programme Structure
The programme is organised into eight semesters with a minimum of 126 credit hours for graduation, distributed as follows:
📅 First Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology & Microbiology | 3 | BIOL 102 | Introduction to Botany and Zoology | 3 |
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | ECON 102 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| MATHS 121 | Pre-Calculus | 3 | MATHS 122 | Introduction to Calculus, Applied Maths & Statistics | 3 |
| SOCL 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | SOCL 102 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| GEOG 101 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 | GEOG 102 | Intro. to Human Geography & Geography of Sierra Leone | 3 |
| GEST 111 | English Language | 2 | GEST 112 | English Language | 2 |
| ICT 121 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 | ICT 122 | Information & Communication Technology | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Second Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVS 211 | Introduction to Development Studies | 3 | DVS 217 | Development Planning and Management | 3 |
| DVS 212 | Theories of Development | 3 | DVS 218 | Gender and Development | 3 |
| DVS 213 | Economics of Development | 3 | DVS 219 | Rural Sociology and Community Development | 3 |
| DVS 214 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 | DVS 2110 | Population Studies and Demography | 3 |
| DVS 215 | History of Sierra Leone and West Africa | 3 | DVS 2111 | Health and Development | 3 |
| DVS 216 | Environment and Development | 3 | DVS 2112 | Globalisation and Development | 3 |
| ENG 201 | English Language | 2 | ENG 202 | English Language | 2 |
| Semester 1 Total | 20 | Semester 2 Total | 20 | ||
📅 Third Year Courses
| Code | Semester 1 Course | Cr. Hrs | Code | Semester 2 Course | Cr. Hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVS 3113 | Governance, Institutions and Development | 3 | DVS 3220 | Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation | 3 |
| DVS 3114 | Advanced Research Methods in Development | 3 | DVS 3221 | Conflict, Peace and Development | 3 |
| DVS 3115 | Food Security and Agricultural Development | 3 | DVS 3222 | Human Rights and Development | 3 |
| DVS 3116 | Social Policy and Welfare | 3 | DVS 3223 | Urban Development and Planning | 3 |
| DVS 3117 | Sustainable Development Goals and Policy | 3 | DVS 3224 | International Development Cooperation | 3 |
| DVS 3118 | Statistics for Development | 3 | DVS 3225 | NGO Management and Civil Society | 3 |
| DVS 3119 | Climate Change and Development | 3 | DVS 3226 | Group Seminar and Scientific Writing | 3 |
| Semester 1 Total | 21 | Semester 2 Total | 21 | ||
📅 Fourth Year Courses
Semester 1 — Taught Courses
| Code | Course | Cr. |
|---|---|---|
| DVS 4127 | Development Finance and Aid | 3 |
| DVS 4128 | Private Sector Development and Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| DVS 4129 | Post-Conflict Development and Peacebuilding | 3 |
| DVS 4130 | Development Law and Policy Frameworks | 3 |
| DVS 4131 | Digital Development and Innovation | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Semester 2 — Completion Requirements
- Industrial Attachment
- Research Project / Dissertation
- Directed Readings
- Final Comprehensive Examinations
Assessment & Grading System
A five-point letter grading system is used in assessing students, following the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) guidelines. Continuous assessment includes class attendance and participation, assignments, field projects, presentations, and written examinations.
Grading Scale
| Marks (%) | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 75 and above | A | 5.0 |
| 65 – 74 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 64 | C | 3.0 |
| 40 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 30 – 39 | E | 1.0 |
| Below 30 | F | 0.0 |
Honours Classification (FGPA)
| Class | FGPA Range |
|---|---|
| First Class | 4.3 and above |
| Second Class (Upper) | 4.00 – 4.29 |
| Second Class (Lower) | 3.60 – 3.99 |
| Third Class | 3.00 – 3.59 |
Programme Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have acquired comprehensive knowledge and skills in development theory and practice, including the capacity to:
Critically analyse major theories, concepts, and debates in development studies from global and local perspectives.
Design, manage, monitor, and evaluate development programmes and projects in diverse organisational settings.
Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to generate evidence for development decision-making.
Engage communities and stakeholders through participatory and inclusive approaches to development practice.
Analyse and contribute to policy formulation and advocacy processes at national and international levels.
📥 Programme Documents & Downloads
Progression Requirement
To advance from one year to the next, students must achieve a Sessional Grade Point Average (SGPA) of 3.0 or higher, with no outstanding course requirements.