THE DEPARTMENT OF INSTITUTE OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
Welcome to the Institute of Development Studies (IDS)
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) established in August 2011, is a semi-autonomous research and learning organisation parented by the National University of Science and Technology under the Faculty of Commerce to fulfil the broad institutional mandate to continuously increase research capacity and currency, and to respond effectively to context-specific multi-dimensional development challenges through multi-disciplinary innovation and effective collaborative partnerships.
The Institute of Development Studies constitutes a research and training response to increasing levels of social injustice, poverty, unemployment, inequality, climate change and increased frequency of disasters. It also responds to the dearth of institutionalised, innovative, cutting edge research for holistic home grown solutions. There is a gap where live experiences and realities of negative externalities of development are located in the South, but the research and development institutions that craft the solutions are invariably located in the North.
The Institute of Development Studies therefore sets out to provide an attractive environment for effective and innovative research through an inter-disciplinary approach to a broad range of development and disaster management concerns in search of local sustainable solutions. Therefore, the specific functions of IDS as enshrined in the NUST strategic plan (2019-2023) are as follows;
- To provide for research and courses of instruction, whether on a full-time basis, by correspondence or extramurally, and to take such other as may appear necessary and desirable for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge.
- To hold examinations and to confer degrees, including honorary degrees, diplomas, certificates and other awards, upon persons who have followed courses of study approved by the Senate and additionally, or alternatively, satisfied such other requirements as may be determined by the Senate.
- To provide courses not leading to degrees, diplomas or certificates, including training for persons wishing to enter the University.
- To provide opportunities for staff and students and such other persons as the University may approve to engage in productive activity in the fields of science and technology and any other fields in which the University may from time to time be engaged.
- To promote research with emphasis on scientific, technological, industrial and developmental projects, with particular reference to the developmental needs of Zimbabwe.
- To institute professorships, lectureships, research fellowships, staff development fellowships and other posts and offices and to make appointments thereto.
- To institute and award fellowships, scholarships, bursaries, prize medals, exhibitions, and other distinctions, awards and forms of assistance consistent with its objectives.
Achievements
- The Institute managed to produce two (2) PhD inaugural graduates
- One (1) MPhil inaugural graduate in Disaster Management
Our Programmes
This is a two-year, part-time (block-release) Postgraduate degree programme. Applicants can apply for either Bulawayo or Harare Cohort, and therefore should specify on the application form.
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission a candidate must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies or equivalent from a recognised university, or
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies or equivalent.
- Relevant work experience in the field of development or equivalent will be an advantage.
This is a two-year, part-time (block-release) Postgraduate degree programme. Applicants can apply for either Bulawayo or Harare Cohort, and therefore should specify on the application form.
Entry requirements
To be considered for admission a candidate must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies or equivalent from a recognised university, or
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies or equivalent.
- Relevant work experience in the field of disaster risk and emergence management or equivalent will be an advantage.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted into one of these highly sought-after and competitive research-based doctoral programmes, an applicant should be in possession of the following:
Development Studies: A Masters's degree with a Merit or better in a Social Science discipline, preferably Development Studies, from any recognized institution of higher learning.
Disaster Management: A Masters's degree with a Merit or better in a Social or Natural Science discipline from any recognized institution of higher learning.
Admission Requirements: To be admitted into one of these highly sought-after and competitive research-based Master of Philosophy programmes, an applicant should be in possession of the following:
Development Studies: An Honours degree in any Social Science discipline with an overall degree class of First or Upper Second Class from any recognized institution of higher learning.
Disaster Management: An Honours degree in Social Science disciplines such as Geography, Disaster Management, Rural and Urban Planning, Public Health etc with an overall degree class of First or Upper Second Class from any recognized institution of higher learning. A Candidate who holds a Bachelors degree in Natural Science with an overall degree class of First or Upper Second Class from any recognized institution of higher learning is also encouraged to apply.
Departmental Staff
