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Master of Arts (Rural Development)
Drive Sustainable Change in Rural Communities with a Globally Recognized MA Degree
The Master of Arts in Rural Development (MARD) is a postgraduate degree offered over a minimum duration of 2 years, extendable up to 4 years, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Emirates College of International Studies offers this program in hybrid learning format, combining printed self-instructional materials, digital content, and access to virtual learning platforms.
The curriculum is divided into core and elective courses. Students are required to complete 16 courses in total, including a research-based project. The program is suitable for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline. With courses available in both English and Hindi, it remains accessible to a wide range of learners interested in contributing to rural development efforts through academic and professional engagement.
Type
Degree
Start Date
Mar 31, 2025
Duration
2 Year
Key Program Highlights
Each aspect of the MA in Rural Development with ECISME is curated to blend theoretical foundations with on-ground realities.
- Degree awarded by IGNOU, recognized in over 40 countries across public and private sectors.
- Program content reflects current global rural development challenges and methodologies.
- Study material designed for self-paced and guided learning, with dual-language availability (English & Hindi).
- Combination of theory, electives, and project-based learning encourages practical problem-solving.
- Research orientation prepares students for future doctoral-level work or applied field research.
- Learner-friendly system offering online submissions, virtual libraries, and flexible deadlines.
- Designed for those working or planning to work in development, governance, or education sectors.
- Curriculum aligned with rural development goals at national and global levels (e.g., SDGs).
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the MA in Rural Development with ECISME requires a basic academic qualification, ensuring that students are ready to pursue this specialized program.
- Academic Requirement: A Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in any field.
- Language of Instruction: The program is available in English and Hindi.
- Work Experience: While work experience is recommended, it is not a mandatory requirement.
ECISME Syllabus
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of MA in Rural Development consists of core and elective courses aimed at providing students with comprehensive knowledge about rural development. Here’s an overview of the courses covered:
Core Courses
- Rural Development: Indian Context
- Rural Development Programmes
- Rural Social Development
- Research Methods in Rural Development
Elective Courses
- Rural Health Care
- Rural Education
- Entrepreneurship and Rural Development
- Project Work in Rural Development
- Communication for Development
- Livelihood Systems and Rural Economy
- Gender and Development
- Natural Resource Management
ECISME Opportunities
Career Opportunities After MA in Rural Development
After successfully completing an MA in Rural Development through ECISME, opportunities exist in multiple domains that require a deep understanding of rural issues and planning processes.
- Government and Development Agencies: Program officer, rural planner, or evaluator for schemes like NREGA, NRLM, or rural housing.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Community mobilizer, development project lead, or donor program liaison.
- Policy Research and Think Tanks: Rural policy researcher, monitoring and evaluation specialist, or data analyst.
- Academic and Training Institutions: Lecturer, curriculum developer, or fieldwork coordinator in development studies.
- CSR and Corporate Development Units: Sustainability manager or CSR outreach specialist focused on rural engagement.
- Entrepreneurship: Consultant or startup founder in areas such as rural finance, agri-tech, or rural education.
Multiple funding and fee flexibility options are available to make the program more accessible.
- Scholarships for academically strong or financially deserving candidates.
- Payment installment options spread across semesters.
- Additional concessions or aid may be available for residents in the UAE region through local facilitation.
Students will develop analytical, managerial, and research capabilities tailored to the rural development sector.
- Ability to evaluate and implement rural development programs with a policy-oriented approach.
- Skills in designing research-based solutions to rural issues like education, health, and resource access.
- Understanding of rural governance systems, including panchayati raj and decentralization.
- Capacity to work in diverse teams, communicate with rural populations, and promote participatory development.
- Practical knowledge of livelihood systems, rural entrepreneurship, and natural resource dynamics.
- Confidence in conducting independent research and producing policy-relevant reports.
Benefits of Studying MA in Rural Development with ECISME
Several distinct advantages are available to learners pursuing MA in Rural Development with ECISME such as:
- National Accreditation: Degree is awarded by a central university governed by UGC, ensuring its acceptance across sectors.
- Modular Learning: Courses can be taken in blocks, allowing for pause and re-entry within a 4-year window.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers major dimensions of rural development—policy, livelihoods, education, gender, and health.
- Practical Exposure: Includes a research project that encourages field-based investigation and local engagement.
- Dual Language Delivery: Course materials available in English and Hindi to support diverse learners.
- Wide Access to Resources: Students receive printed self-learning material and have access to digital libraries and academic platforms.
- Eligibility Across Disciplines: Open to graduates from all academic backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
- Scalable for Higher Education: Recognized for further academic opportunities, including PhD programs globally.
ECISME Asked
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I don’t complete the course within four years?
If the program is not completed within the maximum allowed duration of four years, re-registration may be required, subject to IGNOU’s academic policies and updated course structures.
What is the passing criteria for each subject in the program?
Students generally need a minimum of 40% in theory and assignments to pass each course, though specifics may vary.
How are students evaluated throughout the program?
Evaluation is based on a combination of assignments (30%) and term-end theory exams (70%). Both components must be passed separately with a minimum of 40% in each.
Do I need to choose all elective courses or only a few in the second year?
Students are required to choose a specified number of elective courses from the available list i
What kind of libraries or institutions provide internships or project support?
Students are required to choose a specified number of elective courses from the available list in the second year, depending on the total credit requirements. Not all electives need to be taken.
Is there a grade classification system for final results?
Yes. Final results include grades and classifications such as First Division or Second Division, based on overall percentage earned across assignments and exams.
Can I apply for this program if I do not have a background in rural development?
Yes, the program is designed to be accessible to all graduates, regardless of their previous academic discipline, with foundational courses provided to support those new to the field.
