Department of Community and Rural Development (CRD)

This is a two semester program. The programme is designed to equip candidates with advanced knowledge and skills in Community Development so that they effectively facilitate self-help community development initiatives. Specifically the programme aims to: provide professional training in community development, facilitation approaches and strategies; enable candidates apply participatory community development methods and techniques; and enable candidates to appreciate the role of community development in the economy. Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development (PGD-CD) was approved by the Senate in 2004.
Graduates of this course are able to do the following, among others: Design, in a participatory manner, rural and urban development promotion strategies; Evolve strategies to mobilize community resources for community development; Build self-sustaining community development programs; Assume senior leadership positions in community development – oriented programs in the government, Non-governmental organizations and other institutions; Qualify for further training; and Employ themselves and compete favourably in the market. Admission Requirements for this programme include: An Advanced Diploma from recognized institutions of higher learning or a Bachelor degree from recognized institutions of higher learning.

This is an existing programme since the year 2008. It is a full time three years programme under the semester system. Applicants for BCED should have obtained a Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE) or equivalent with passes in five principle subjects, obtained prior to sitting for the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) or equivalent; and at least two principal level passes and a total of at least 4.5 points in principle subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE); University Qualification Framework (UQF) level 6 (Ordinary Diploma) and NTA level 6 (ordinary diploma) that is relevant to the programme and should have at least four passes at Ordinary level (NQF level 4). Recognition of prior-learning (RPL): Applicants should have an average of a B+ grade in relevant courses.
This programme was designed to equip undergraduate students to deal with complex issues in the national and international community economic development. Graduates in this programme will be able to perform community economic functions in community development. Specific objectives shall be to: Equip candidates with a blend of community development knowledge and skills so as to become professionals in their field; Enable candidates to uphold ethics relevant to community economic development; Address both the global and national professional requirements for best practices in community economic development; and Inculcate entrepreneurial attitudes to candidates
Applications for admissions are normally invited once a year between July and September. The detailed information about the application procedures and requirements are usually stated through the University main website and many other outlets.