Bachelor of Development Studies at University of Mpumalanga

Programme overview

South Africa and many other developing countries are facing facets of challenges which among others include poverty, inequality and unemployment. To address these challenges, multiple of actors from the state, private sectors and NGO’s need to get involved in the implementation of variety of interventions and activities which are holistic in nature and which are aimed at promoting sustainable development deemed necessary to communities in different locations.

Faculty: Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences | Department: School of Development Studies | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Career pathways

The career opportunities and choices linked to development studies include students becoming researchers, development planners, facilitators and managers, project planners, environmental officers, local economic development manager, rural and urban development, municipal planning and service delivery and many other careers which are linked to social science and community development.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 32. 1. Bachelor of Development Studies; National Senior Certificate, meeting the minimum requirements for admission to bachelors’ degree as gazette for admission to higher education. Students need to meet admission point score of 32.; Entrance Requirement include, Mathematics level 2 or Math Literacy level 3, English level 4, and Geography/History and One Other Social or Commercial Sciences Subject at level 4.

ZAR 52,106 a year (2026). 2026 tuition for Year 1 per UMP 2026 Fees Handbook; handbook gives a range of R52,106 (minimum) to R52,786 (maximum), amount shown is the minimum; actual fee depends on modules registered; excludes accommodation, application fee and other administrative f Source

Main intake: February; first-year lectures started on 09 February 2026 with registration in January. Second semester registration runs 20 July to 31 July 2026. Master's and doctoral postgraduate orientation was held 04 to 08 May 2026.

Applications for undergraduate programmes for 2027 close on 30 November 2026.

Applications for 2027 admission open on 01 June 2026. The non-refundable application fee is R200 for South African applicants, R400 for SADC applicants and R550 for other international applicants.

Apply through the official page: https://www.ump.ac.za/apply

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