MA in Community Development – International

—from the University of Victoria Website—-

The Challenge  
 Our globally interconnected world today faces enormous challenges in addressing issues of poverty, violence, climate change and exclusion. Such issues demand practical solutions based on perspectives of participatory development and accountable governance.
Addressing these challenges requires committed professionals and leaders around the world, who are able to combine strong analysis with personal capacities to initiate and sustain change efforts in communities and organizations of civil society, local government, and development agencies.
The Master of Arts in Community Development – International (MACD-I) is based on a unique partnership between the University of Victoria and the Society for Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA), a civil society organization with three decades of experience ingrassroots development.

The Program  
 Designed with working professionals and new graduates in mind, the MACD-I will build and develop your capacity to become a successful leader in forging social and economic change, working within, or in partnership with, development organizations. Through course work, assignments, field exposure, and interactions with students and instructors, you will explore the theory and practical learning on facilitating sustainable community development, as well as leadership and management in organizations and networks.
The MACD-I program incorporates the global strategic context, personal leadership and the organizational perspectives relevant to community development and sustainable change.
The two year program is delivered through a combination of online courses and residential sessions based at PRIA Head Office, New Delhi. Each of the two residential sessions is held over a two-week period in the summer terms.
Students work on a major project (ADMN 598) throughout the program and submit the final report at the conclusion of the program.
Knowledge and Skills  
 Throughout the program, you will apply new skills and knowledge to an ongoing research project for addressing a real world problem faced by a development organization.
The program’s unique fusion of practical insights and theoretical concepts means that graduates:
      • Plan and manage effective projects, programs, organizations and networks based on participatory methods.
      • Are conversant about global trends that frame the challenges, threats and opportunities that communities, regions and sectors face.
      • Demonstrate initiative, innovation and leadership in identifying challenges and opportunities for their organisations.
    APPLY NOW for entry into the Spring 2010 cohort!