Bachelor of Science in Community Development & Leadership (BSCDL)

The BS in Community Development & Leadership at HANDS-IDS is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in community development theories, leadership practices, and social responsibility. The program emphasizes independent thinking, ethics, and applied learning, preparing graduates to lead communities and organizations in addressing social, economic, and developmental challenges. Students engage in case studies, fieldwork, internships, and industry immersion, ensuring they graduate with both academic knowledge and practical experience.

Program Objectives

The BSCDL program aims to:

  • Develop leadership skills for effective community engagement and transformation.

  • Equip graduates with knowledge of development theories, policies, and practices.

  • Foster innovation and adaptability in rapidly changing social environments.

  • Promote ethical responsibility and service-oriented leadership.

  • Prepare students for advanced studies including MS/M.Phil and PhD programs in Development Studies.

BS(CD&L) - Scheme of Studies (Semester wise)

Year-1 (Semester-I) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
ENG 301English-I (Functional English)3
ISS 311Islamic Studies / Ethics2
ICD 321Introduction to Community Development3
ITC 331Introduction to Computing3
ICH 341Introduction to Community Health3
MAT 351Basic Mathematics3
Total Credits17
Year-1 (Semester-II) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
ENG 302English – II (Expository English)3
ICP 312Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan2
PCD 322Pakistan Society and Community Development3
HCL 332Health Care Leadership3
STS 342Introduction to Statistics3
POP 352Principles of Philosophy2
Total Credits16
Year-2 (Semester-III) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
SCE 401Social Community Engagement2
MGL 411Management and Leadership3
NPA 421Non-Profit Organization: Planning & Administration3
ENT 431Entrepreneurship2
CDR 441Community Development and Disaster Risk Management3
SOC 451Fundamentals of Sociology2
Total Credits15
Year-2 (Semester-IV) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
PSD 402Personal Skills Development3
IPY 412Introduction to Psychology3
COM 422Community Organization & Management3
ORB 432Organizational Behavior3
ENS 442Introduction to Environmental Science3
CSD 452Communication Skills for Development3
Total Credits18
Year-3 (Semester-V) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
LPS 501Leadership in Public Services3
SDV 511Sustainable Development3
RMT 521Methods of Social Research & Techniques3
IAD 531Industrialization and Development3
CLC 541Climate Change3
Total Credits15
Year-3 (Semester-VI) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
LEL 502Legal and Ethical Issues in Community Leadership3
PAD 512Poverty Alleviation and Development3
PPM 522Project Planning and Management3
RMF 532Resource Mobilization and Fundraising3
GID 542Gender Issues and Development3
Total Credits15
Year-4 (Semester-VII) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
GDP 601Global Dimensions in Social Policy3
ORL 611Organizational Leadership3
RGW 621Research Grant Proposal Writing3
ELC 631Elective-1 (Leadership and Global Challenges / Multicultural Leadership / Self-Leadership Development)3
ELC 641Elective-2 (Community Health Nursing / Disaster Management / Urban Development)3
Total Credits15
Year-4 (Semester-VIII) +
Course Code Name of Subject Credits
TLA 602Transformational Leadership and Advocacy3
COL 612Community Organizations and Leadership3
RPI 622Research Project / Internship3
ELC 632Elective-3 (Applied Leadership / Women Leadership / Leadership in Non-Profit Organization)3
ELC 642Elective-4 (Rural Development / Non-Profit Organization Management / Community Planning)3
Total Credits15
Total Credit Hours: 126

Key Areas of Study

Students will explore:

  • Development Studies – theories, growth indicators, production systems, social relations, sustainability, and gender.

  • Community Development – values, processes, and group dynamics.

  • Leadership & Ethics – personal leadership skills and social responsibility.

  • Urban Development – urbanization challenges, governance, municipal services, and inclusion.

  • Rural Development – rural livelihoods, microfinance, planning, and participation.

  • Community Health – public health practices, social determinants, and health promotion strategies.

  • Human Resource Management – recruitment, training, and organizational behavior.

  • Entrepreneurship – skills for new ventures and social enterprises.

  • Information Technology Management – technology’s role in community and organizational decision-making.

 

Eligibility

  • Intermediate (F.Sc/FA/ICS/A-Levels or equivalent) with minimum required grades.

  • Fulfillment of HANDS-IDS admission criteria.

 

Why Choose BS in Community Development & Leadership at HANDS-IDS?

  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum combining development studies, leadership, and applied community practice.

  • Experiential Learning through internships, case studies, and industry immersion.

  • Global Perspective with focus on sustainability, governance, and social equity.

  • Faculty Excellence with mentorship from experienced academics and community leaders.

  • Career Readiness for roles in NGOs, government, academia, and consultancy.

  • Pathway to Higher Studies including MS/M.Phil and PhD programs in Development Studies.