Bachelor of Science in Development Studies
The BS in Development Studies at HANDS-IDS is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in development theories, practices, and administration, while preparing them for real-world challenges in both urban and rural development sectors. The program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and innovation, encouraging independent thinking, self-assessment, and applied learning. Students engage in case studies, fieldwork, internships, and industry immersion, ensuring they graduate with both academic knowledge and practical experience.
Program Objectives
The BSDS program aims to:
Equip graduates with knowledge and skills to succeed in diverse development environments.
Integrate STEM and social sciences for interdisciplinary learning.
Develop leadership and ethical decision-making among students.
Prepare students for advanced studies including Master’s and PhD programs.
Foster innovation and adaptability in rapidly changing development contexts.
The BSDS program aims to:
Equip graduates with knowledge and skills to succeed in diverse development environments.
Integrate STEM and social sciences for interdisciplinary learning.
Develop leadership and ethical decision-making among students.
Prepare students for advanced studies including Master’s and PhD programs.
Foster innovation and adaptability in rapidly changing development contexts.
BS(DS) - Scheme of Studies (Semester wise)
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 301 | English-I (Functional English) | 3 |
| ISS 311 | Islamic Studies / Ethics | 2 |
| IDS 321 | Introduction to Development Studies | 3 |
| ITC 331 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
| DHR 341 | Development and Human Rights | 3 |
| MAT 351 | Basic Mathematics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 302 | English – II (Expository English) | 3 |
| ICP 312 | Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan | 2 |
| IMF 322 | Introduction to Microfinance | 3 |
| DDV 332 | Demography and Development | 3 |
| STS 342 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| POP 352 | Principles of Philosophy | 2 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SCE 401 | Social Community Engagement | 2 |
| IUD 411 | Introduction to Urban Development | 3 |
| ECO 421 | Economics | 3 |
| ENT 431 | Entrepreneurship | 2 |
| HRM 441 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| FOS 451 | Fundamentals of Sociology | 2 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSD 402 | Personal Skills Development | 3 |
| IPY 412 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| IRD 422 | Introduction to Rural Development | 3 |
| ORB 432 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| IES 442 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 3 |
| CSD 452 | Communication Skills for Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 501 | E-commerce | 3 |
| SDV 511 | Sustainable Development | 3 |
| MRT 521 | Methods of Social Research & Techniques | 3 |
| IAD 531 | Industrialization and Development | 3 |
| CLC 541 | Climate Change | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| DPS 502 | Development Policies and Strategies for Pakistan | 3 |
| PPM 512 | Project Planning and Management | 3 |
| LGS 522 | Legal Issues & development | 3 |
| CDV 532 | Community Development | 3 |
| GID 542 | Gender Issues and Development | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PLH 601 | Poverty and Livelihood’s | 3 |
| DMG 611 | Disaster Management | 3 |
| RPW 621 | Research Grant Proposal Writing | 3 |
| – | Elective 1 | 3 |
| – | Elective 2 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
| Course Code | Name of Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ITM 602 | Introduction to Management | 3 |
| NRM 612 | Natural Resource Management | 3 |
| RPI 622 | Research Project /Internship | 3 |
| – | Elective 3 | 3 |
| – | Elective 4 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
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.
Human Resource Management – recruitment, training, and organizational behavior.
Entrepreneurship – skills for new ventures.
Organizational Behavior – motivation, leadership, and group dynamics.
Information Technology Management – technology’s role in 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 Development Studies at HANDS-IDS?
Interdisciplinary Curriculum combining STEM, social sciences, and applied development.
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 practitioners.
Career Readiness for roles in NGOs, government, academia, and consultancy.
Pathway to Higher Studies including MS/M.Phil and PhD programs in Development Studies.