Courses in Development Policy, Planning and Management:
Intensive 11-weeks, 250 teaching hours, Next Course: 20 April 2002

Dear Madam/Sir,

I would like to introduce myself. I am Sanjoy K. Nayak, the
Director of Development Studies at the School of Social Sciences,
Selly Oak Campus, University of Birmingham, the UK.

Development Studies Courses (11-week very intensive) at Selly
Oak have been in existence for last 26 years. They are now quite
established and known for their uniqueness. The courses are
unique in terms of theirs learning and teaching strategies and
courses covered (Development Management [esp. NGOs and Aid
sector], Project Planning and Management, Health and Social
Development, Participatory Community Development, and Role of
Civil Society).

So far, the Selly Oak has trained more than 1000 development
professionals drawn from over 100 countries and regions. Due to
historical reasons (subsidised by the Selly Oak Colleges), the
courses are very inexpensive. It costs only £4,000 for a very
intensive 11-week course. The courses guarantee at least 250
hours of teaching contacts. This is almost half of the cost that
other universities in the UK charge for similar courses.

Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,

Sanjoy K. Nayak
Director of Development Studies
School of Social Sciences
University of Birmingham
Selly Oak, Bristol Road
Birmingham B29 6LQ, the UK.

E-m: [email protected] [2]
Tel.: +44 (0)121 415 2295
Fax: +44 (0)121 415 2296
-------------------------------------------------

COURSE DESCRIPTION

University of Birmingham
School of Social Sciences
Selly Oak Development Studies

Course participants:
The Development Studies Course in Selly Oak was established in
1974. The courses are specially designed to meet the needs of
people working in many kinds of non-government and international
aid organisations as well as government departments. The
programme encourages applications from women, minorities and
people with disabilities. Postgraduate Certificate options might be
available subject to the approval of the University of Birmingham.

Course contents:
The Selly Oak Development Studies Course structure is unique
because each course is developed ‘flexibly’, according to the
particular needs and concerns of participants. Main themes
include the following and are linked to Course Modules (see below):

~ Understanding poverty, and the processes of underdevelopment
and development;
~ Reviewing social and human development and social policy
issues in developing countries;
~ Examining possibilities for social, political and economic
changes at all levels;
~ Incorporating gender; and environmental issues in development
programmes and policies;
~ Considering relationships among globalisation, the state and civil
society;
~ Improving practical management skills in planning, budgeting,
implementation, and evaluation;
~ Developing institutions and building capacity of organisations
including advocacy skills;
~ Analysing the nature, sources, motives and effects of aid, and the
role of voluntary agencies;
~ Exploring motivation and communication, and becoming more
effective in working with others, handling conflict, problem-solving
and leadership.

Learning and teaching methods:
The course approach is based on parallels between adult learning
and the processes of development itself. Analysis of experience
from within the class is therefore a rich source of learning, and
importance is given to participatory learning methods throughout the
course. The study methods are highly interactive and intensive (250
hours of teaching in eleven weeks). These methods include
discussion in large and small groups, concept presentations and
formal lectures, recommended reading, case studies, programmed
and structured exercises, role play, simulations, group-work, video
films, external visits, and individual and group assignments.
Methods are constantly interchanged to provide stimulus, to
reinforce learning and to meet individual needs.

COURSE MODULES

Module 1:
Development Theory, Policy and Practice
International Relations and Trade; Civil Society and NGOs

Module 2:
Planning and Management of Organisations
Development Co-operation, Capacity-Building and Partnership

Module 3:
Participatory Project Planning and Management
Working in the Community; Gender and Development

Module 4:
Specialist Options for Research Projects: Social Development &
Policy; Poverty & Participation; Health & Population

Dates for future courses:

20 April to 06 July 2002
28 September to 14 December 2002

Current Fees:

£4000 for tuition and use of facilities of University of Birmingham
and Selly Oak campus; £1640 (approx.) for accommodation and
meals. There is a limited amount of self-catering accommodation
available on campus at a cost of approximately £600. A nominal
field visit expense will be charged from 2002.

In addition, it is recommended that participants should be provided
with a personal allowance of at least £65 per week to cover the
purchase of warm clothing, books and items of personal
expenditure.

Scholarships:
Many development aid agencies in Europe and North America have
given financial support to course participants in the past. Requests
for scholarship support should be submitted directly to the donor
agencies. We are also able to provide suggestions for full
sponsorship and part-funding elsewhere.

Applications:
Application forms are available on request. Urgent enquiries may
be sent by fax or e-mail.

Mrs. Wendy Banner
Course Administrator, Development Studies
School of Social Sciences
The University of Birmingham
Elmfield House, Selly Oak
Birmingham B29 6LQ, The UK.

Telephone: +44 (0)121 415 2295
Telefax: +44 (0)121 415 2296
E-mails: [email protected] [3]
Websites: http://www.bham.ac.uk/socsci [4]