Post-graduate Diploma in Development Studies and Public Policy
A collaborative programme of the Marga Institute and the Open University of Sri Lanka.
The Programme and the Partners
The Post-graduate Diploma in Development Studies and Public Policy is a new programme introduced by the Marga Institute in collaboration with the Open University of Sri Lanka.
This joint teaching venture is designed to develop Social Scientists who would be multi-disciplinary in their approach to development issues.
The Institute makes available the large body of knowledge it has acquired and the analytical tool kit developed during the last three decades devoted to the careful study and analysis of development issues in Sri Lanka and in the region.
The Open University, in it's part, provides the necessary quality assurance to the teaching function, final examination and certification of the successful students.
Objectives of the Programme
- To help young university graduates to acquire the necessary competencies for careers in multi-disciplinary research.
- To help enhance the analytical capabilities of officers working in Civil Society organizations engaged in development and advocacy programmes;
- To assist the development practitioners working in the Public Sector, particularly in policy related Ministries such as Finance, Planning, Health and Education to upgrade their knowledge base and analytical skills.
Medium of Instruction
English is the language of instruction and assessment.
Programme Structure and Approach to the Study of Development
This programme consists of six main subjects, with the subject matter arranged as modules dealing with the Historical, Theoretical and Thematic issues relating to development. The Historical Module takes the students through the different phases of the development process in Sri Lanka after independence.
The Theoretical Module covers the concepts of development as they evolved in the UN System and in the academic community, the principles of the three main social-sciences-Economics, Sociology and Political Science, research and the survey methodology and development indicators. The Thematic Module consists of twelve cross-cutting themes and case studies which are relevant for understanding the development process in Sri Lanka.
Eligibility for Admission to the Study Programme
- A degree from a recognized university with at least one year of work experience preferably in the fields of planning, administration / implementation of development projects ,
or - An equivalent or higher qualification acceptable to the Senate with at least two years of work experience, preferably in the fields of planning, administration / implementation of development projects.
The Open University selects students for admission from eligible applicants on the basis of a selection test held at the Open University of Sri Lanka. The selection test consists of a written examination and an interview.
Courses, Course Codes and Credit Ratings
The Programme consists of 2 credits worth of Regular Courses and 1/3rd credit worth of Adjunct Courses. The academic year is divided into two semesters to enable students to give undivided attention to selected courses. Each semester is of five months duration. The Adjunct Courses are spread throughout the year.
The term Credit implies the number of study hours that a student has to devote to a particular course. A credit involves 450 hours of study.
Modules of Post Graduate Diploma Programme
Core Courses
SSP 1113 Post-Independence Development History of Sri Lanka (1/6)
SSP 1114 Development and Public Policy (1/6)
SSP 1215 Concepts of Development (1/3)
SSP 1216 Economic Fundamentals of Development (1/3)
SSP 1217 Social Fundamentals of Development & Development Communication(1/3)
SSP 1218 Political Fundamentals of Development (1/3)
SSP 1219 Multi-Disciplinary Framework for Research & Analysis (1/3)
Continuing Education Courses
SSE 1104 Communication & Presentation Skills for Social Scientists (1/6)
SSE 1105 Information Processing & Management Skills
for Social Scientists (1/6)
Major Cross-cutting Themes within Regular Courses
The Plantation economy; Food self-sufficiency; State Enterprise and the State Controlled Economy; Strucutral Adjustment and Economic Reforms; Process of Liberalization; The Social Welfare State; The Demographic Transition; Poverty Reduction; The Trade Union Movement; The Ethnic Conflict; Youth Politics; Political Parties; Constitutional Changes; and Mass Media and Public Opinion Formation.
All Lectures are conducted at the Marga Institute - the Organisation responsible for the course content. Lectures in the present course are conducted on Saturdays and Sunday Mornings.
Nature of Assessment, Eligibility for Final Examinations and Grading System
The Assessment Process of a student in any course is divided into two components-Continuous Assessment and Final Examination. A student will be eligible to sit for the final examination only if he/she has earned an average not below 40 percent for the Continuous Assessment component. A candidate who satisfies the requirements for the award of the Post-graduate Diploma in Development Studies and Public Policy will be awarded the Post-graduate Diploma Certificate with Distinction Pass, Merit Pass or a Pass.