Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Development Studies
The Department of Development Studies is an integral part of St Joseph’s Theological Institute (RF)
NPC. As such, the Department is committed to contribute to the broader vision and mission of the
Institute by providing quality higher education and training in the areas of human and social
development. The programme offered (Bachelor of Arts in Human and Social Development) is
designed based on a multidisciplinary approach to help students to benefit from the rich academic
and professional expertise both in vertical and in horizontal articulation. The Department employs
contact research-teaching philosophy to contribute to critical thinking, knowledge and skills in human
development practice and social justice action practices through two broadly identified academic
disciplinary areas of study:
(a) Human Development
The Department offers a people-centred training to men and women who are capable of academic
competency in pursuing postgraduate studies and/or other qualifications of specialisation within the
fields of the humanities and social sciences such as sociology, psychology, environmental science,
education development, counselling and social work. The Department also empowers students with
skills to solve real human development problems in governmental and non-governmental
organisations and agencies that deal with issues of emotional and social intelligence and development,
community and societal leadership.
(b) Social Development
The Department provides social change-maker and social justice action skills training. This is offered to
men and women who are capable of academic competency in pursuing postgraduate studies and/or
other qualifications within the fields of the humanities and social sciences such as population studies,
NGO project management, adult education, media studies, development economics, social and
economic justice, political studies and pastoral studies. The Department also empowers students with
skills towards life-long learning by working in governmental and non-governmental sectors to improve
livelihoods in communities and societies, particularly in Africa.
Context
The programme in Human and Social development is offered using the African context and
perspectives of development. A key component of this programme is a contextual reflection on
people-centred and social change and justice action in Africa.
For Whom Are These Programmes?
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Human and Social Development is useful for those persons who wish to
engage, or who are already engaged in contexts of the public sector, non-governmental and private
institutions as development practitioners, for example, working as Religious Accompaniment and
Formation; Chaplaincy Work; in Ancillary Health Care Centres (dealing with HIV/AIDS, orphans, elderly
persons and Hospices); in Local Government and Community Development; in Non-Governmental
Organisations and Faith-Based Organisations (dealing with humanitarian and environmental
protection). This programme is designed to train leaders who can then serve in a professional and
ethical manner both in society and in church settings in Africa and beyond.
