Institute of Development Studies

What is Development Studies?

Development Studies is concerned with the understanding and analysis of processes which are transforming people’s lives throughout the world. In the past, it was concerned only with the poorer countries of the world and with the ways largely Western solutions could be applied to solve development problems. More recently, it has recognised that the large economic, political and social forces at work are universal, embracing and connecting us all, though our different cultures, environments and resources lead to differing contexts and outcomes. Similarly, there has been a realisation not only that the solutions suggested need to recognise cultural, social and environmental differences but also that Western science and technology has to work with, and learn from, indigenous knowledge systems.

Development Studies, therefore, takes an approach which seeks to understand differences, examine key development issues and ideas, and develop skills to help solve development problems.

Development Studies at Massey

The main focus of Development Studies at Massey, New Zealand is at postgraduate level. We have a strong research culture and attract postgraduate students from a variety of different countries, many from Asia, Africa and Oceania. The range of postgraduate (and some undergraduate) papers offered represents the varied research interests and expertise of our academic staff.

Development Studies also draws on Massey’s expertise in agriculture, economics, social anthropology, politics, natural resources, geography, environmental studies and business studies. It seeks to combine a critical approach to development theories and experiences with the acquisition of specialist skills in development practice.

For a taste of what you can expect from your time with the Institute of Development Studies at Massey check out this presentation Gerard Prinsen address titled Civil Society, Governance and the Paris Declaration given by one of our academics Gerard Prinsen.

More information about Development Studies

Check out the Paper Offerings for details of the papers we offer.

Alternatively you will get a good overview of the offerings by looking at the Institute of Development Studies Handbook. This Handbook will give information on course offerings and options for undergraduate and postgraduate study (Postgraduate Diploma, Master's and PhD options).

Development Studies @ Massey 2012

2012 Handbook

If you have any other more specific queries please contact the Programme Coordinator

Where will Development Studies take me?

Our postgraduate students come from a wide range of academic and work experience backgrounds, and our programme is enriched by this diversity. New Zealand students have included agriculturalists, aid agency workers, economists, foresters, government employees in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and NZAID, nurses, private consultants, regional planners, teachers and overseas volunteers, as well as recent graduates. Most have lived and worked in developing countries, while others intend to do so. The qualifications we offer, coupled with your first degree or specialist skill, enhance employment prospects in New Zealand and overseas in a number of government, private sector, and development and aid-related positions (including NGOs).

What's on in Development Studies

Seminar Series

The Seminar Series highlights the research of Development Staff, Visitors, and Postgraduate Students. The presentations are topical and diverse and display some of the most up-to-date research of the development community. The seminars are held on Wednesdays at 2.00 pm in room 2.03 of the Geography Building, Manawatu Campus, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Seminars are open to all interested persons and followed by afternoon tea.

Check out the Seminar Series Timetable and pencil the dates in your diary. Some topics are yet to be advised but these will be up dated as they come to hand. We will see you there.

2012 Seminar Series semester one

Development Studies @ Massey Newsletter

To let the wider world know what we are up to at the Institute of Development Studies at Massey we produce a Newsletter. Content is both informative and light hearted so take a look and see if we are having more fun than you are.

Dev Stud Newsletter No 1 Autumn 2008_.pdf (328 KB)

Dev Studs Newsletter No2 Summer 2008/09 (2,456 KB)

Dev Studs Newsletter No3 Summer 2009/10 (331 KB)

Working Paper Series

We have recently launched an electronic Working Paper Series in order to provide an outlet for the excellent research being conducted by postgraduate students and staff of our School, as well as research from development practitioners. Please see the attached guidelines if you are interested in contributing to this Series.

Working Paper Series Guidelines_.pdf (131 KB)