The Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, Policy and Development is a professional qualification aimed at equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for promoting social justice, driving community development, influencing social policy, and managing social programs globally.
The programme integrates theories of social work, development studies, public policy, project management, and research methods. It prepares learners to be proactive leaders in shaping sustainable community solutions, influencing government and organizational policies, and responding effectively to global social challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, pandemics, disasters, and human rights violations.
By the end of the programme, students should be able to:
- Apply theoretical frameworks and ethical principles to social work and development practice.
- Analyze and influence social policies that impact vulnerable populations and communities.
- Lead and manage community development initiatives and social intervention projects.
- Mobilize resources and build the capacity of communities for sustainable development.
- Advocate for social change through effective lobbying, community mobilization, and policy formulation.
- Conduct social research to inform policy and practice.
- Address issues related to pandemics, gender equity, disaster management, and human rights within a development framework.
This comprehensive one-year program is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in social work, community development, and development policy. Delivered across two semesters, the curriculum emphasizes a balance between theoretical grounding and applied practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in NGOs, government agencies, and grassroots development initiatives.
Semester 1: Foundations of Social Development and Community Empowerment
The first semester introduces students to advanced concepts in social work and community-based development. The modules for the first semester include:
Module 1: Advanced Social Work Theory and Practice – explores contemporary models, intervention approaches, and the ethical dimensions of professional practice in diverse social contexts.
Module 2: Community Development Theory and Strategy – focuses on participatory development, capacity building, and the sustainable livelihoods approach. Students learn to facilitate inclusive, community-led development processes that empower local populations.
Module 3: Development Economics and Policy – Students will examine key economic frameworks that underpin development interventions, including poverty alleviation strategies and pro-poor policy formulation.
Module 4: Communication, Advocacy, and Lobbying Skills – The module will equip students with knowledge and skills in crafting impactful advocacy campaigns and utilizing effective communication tools to drive social change.
Module 5: Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Development – Students will explore how entrepreneurial thinking and microenterprise development can be harnessed to address social issues innovatively and sustainably.
Semester 2: Applied Development Practice and Social Research
The second semester emphasizes application, management, and research competencies. Modules in semester two will encompass the following:
Module 6: Project Planning and Management in Development Work – This will cover the full project cycle, from design and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. Students gain practical tools to manage development projects effectively and achieve measurable results.
Module 7: Resource Mobilization and Fundraising Techniques – This module will provide guidance on grant writing, donor engagement, and building networks for sustainable funding, a critical skill set for those working in NGOs and community-based organizations.
Module 8: Disaster Risk Management and Emergency Response – This will equip students with knowledge and skills in humanitarian response planning, risk reduction strategies, and emergency logistics.
Module 9: HIV/AIDS, Pandemics, and Community Health – Students will explore public health issues from a community perspective, focusing on holistic health interventions, pandemic response mechanisms, and community engagement in health promotion.
Module 10: Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion – Students will be introduced to tools for gender analysis and strategies to ensure marginalized voices are integrated into development processes.
Module 11: Social Research Methods and Final Research Project – This is the stage where students will apply qualitative and quantitative research techniques in the field. Through hands-on fieldwork and data analysis, students complete an independent Social Research Project, which serves as a capstone to demonstrate their research and analytical capabilities in addressing real-world social and development issues.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Holders of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Development Studies, Global Health, Psychology, Political Science, Public Administration, or any related discipline from a recognized university.
- Applicants with significant professional experience in social services, humanitarian work, or development practice may also be considered.
- Proficiency in English is required
Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, Policy and Development will be prepared for impactful careers such as:
- Social Work Specialist
- Community Development Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Development Project Manager
- Humanitarian Aid Worker
- Advocacy and Human Rights Officer
- Disaster Response Specialist
- NGO Program Coordinator
- Social Researcher and Consultant
- Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor
Graduates will also be positioned to pursue advanced Master’s or Doctoral studies in related fields such as Social Policy, Development Studies, or Public Health.
