Are you passionate about driving social change, eradicating poverty, or influencing policy in Africa and beyond? A degree in Development Studies equips you with critical skills to tackle global development challenges—such as inequality, sustainability, and economic growth. South Africa’s top universities offer specialised Development Studies programmes that blend theory, research, and real-world application.
Here’s your 2026 guide to the best South African universities offering Development Studies degrees:
1. Rhodes University – Eastern Cape
Faculty: Humanities
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Development Studies
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s in Development Studies
Why Choose Rhodes?
Rhodes is renowned for its academic excellence and research-driven approach. The Development Studies programme focuses on critical thinking, political economy, and sustainable development with strong ties to NGOs and policy institutes.
2. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) – Northern Cape
Faculty: Economics, Development & Business Management
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Development Studies
- Bachelor of Development Studies Honours
- Master of Development Studies
Why Choose SPU?
SPU offers one of the most focused Development Studies tracks in South Africa. Students gain deep insight into rural development, governance, policy analysis, and social entrepreneurship.
3. University of Fort Hare (UFH) – Eastern Cape
Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
- Master of Commerce in Development Studies
Why Choose UFH?
With a legacy rooted in African leadership and transformation, UFH’s Development Studies curriculum blends economics, sociology, and governance to prepare graduates for public and NGO sectors.
4. University of South Africa (UNISA) – Distance Learning
Programmes Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and Economics
- Postgraduate Diplomas and Honours Degrees in Development Studies
Why Choose UNISA?
UNISA offers flexible distance education ideal for working professionals. Its curriculum emphasises development theory, community development, and international development frameworks.
5. University of Venda (UNIVEN) – Limpopo
Faculty: Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education
Programme Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Why Choose UNIVEN?
UNIVEN offers an applied approach focused on development in rural and under-resourced communities. Graduates are equipped to work in NGOs, government, and local development agencies.
6. University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Western Cape
Faculty: Social Sciences and Humanities
Programmes Offered:
- BA in Development Studies
- BA Honours and Master’s in Development Studies
Why Choose UWC?
UWC combines activism with academic rigor. The programme addresses themes such as gender, poverty, inequality, and development policy—ideal for change-makers and policy advocates.
Subjects You’ll Study in Development Studies:
- Development Theory & Policy
- Political Economy
- Community Development
- Sustainable Development
- Globalisation & Social Justice
- Research Methodology
Career Opportunities:
- Development Practitioner
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Project Manager
- Community Development Worker
- Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist
- Researcher or Academic
📌 Conclusion:
Development Studies is the gateway to careers in social change, public service, and global development. Whether you want to work in government, the UN, or grassroots NGOs, these top South African universities offer qualifications to help you drive real impact.
👉 Apply today for 2026 and become part of the next generation of development leaders!
Would you like the next blog post to focus on Political Science, Public Administration, or Sociology degrees?