Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Dual Degree in International Development Practice

Tata Institute of Social Sciences – Monash University

Website Link: https://admissions.tiss.edu/view/6/admissions/international-students/dual-degree-in-master-of-arts-in-international-dev/

The TISS – Monash dual Master’s degree in International Development Practice is a two-year postgraduate degree offered by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), India, and Monash University, Australia.

The degree aims to immerse students in international development practice at a graduate level and draws on best practices within the broad realm of international development theory, practice and research to address questions around inequality and disparity, governance, evolving aid, environmental vulnerability, politics, economics, and other sustainable development factors that either impede or improve development and growth. Students on this dual degree track will be equipped with practical, analytical and research skills needed to tackle such challenges and build resilience at a local, national and international level.

Students taking this dual degree have the opportunity to spend a year at the TISS Mumbai Campus where they take courses related to the theory and practical aspects of development practice that are interdisciplinary and draw from the fields of political science, law, governance, health sciences, climate studies, research methods and social sciences. The degree includes courses such as the Political Economy of International Development, Nation-State, Public Policy and Inclusive Governance: Perspectives from South Asia, Development and Geopolitics, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods, International Humanitarian and Human Rights Law, Law, Institutions and Society, Green Economy, Anthropocene and Agri-Food Systems, Programme Planning and Management, Sustainable Development and Gender, among others. In addition to field exposure gained as part of the abovementioned courses, students also take one course module entirely on fieldwork where they have the opportunity to understand the practical implications, challenges and contextualised solutions in development practice.

In the second year, students spend the year at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, honing professional and research skills through an internship, research project or advanced simulation. They also take core courses such as Monitoring and Evaluation, or Conflict, Security and Development as well as elective courses on themes of Democracy, Justice and Governance, Gender, Peace and Security, Sustainable Resource Management, Sustainable Economies, Global Migration, and Crisis, Change Management and Leadership.

Apart from the invaluable theoretical knowledge and professional experience that students gain during this degree, studying in two different countries and continents empower them with soft skills such as cross-cultural skills, adaptability, openness, curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills that will make them problem-solvers, better decision-makers and effective leaders.

On successfully completing the degree requirements, students graduate with an M.A. in International Development Practice from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, India, and a Masters in International Development Practice from Monash University, Australia.