• Gender Studies
• Information Studies
• History
• Economic History and Development Studies

The Development Cluster offers degree programmes and/or courses at Doctoral, Masters and Honours as well as postgraduate diploma levels. Through the suite of programmes offered in the Cluster, a culture of research excellence in African scholarship is being nurtured. The research and scholarly agenda of the Cluster is being promoted through an interdisciplinary peer reviewed journal – Journal of Gender, Information and Development in Africa (JGIDA). The Journal aims to promote research and scholarship on African responses to regional challenges; African world views; knowledge bases that are intrinsically and inherently African; indigenous ways of thinking; knowledge systems based on African realities; and research reflecting the social, economic and developmental constructs of African people on the continent and in the Diaspora.

The Cluster has access to well equipped lecture rooms, seminar and postgraduate rooms, a library for (Information Studies at Pietermaritzburg campus), computer laboratories, access to local intranet facilities, reprographic facilities, etc. Large classes are assigned tutors to facilitate individualized learning. Seminar presentation and group workshop for continuous sharing of research progress have been put in place masters and doctoral students. Individualised attention is given to inquiries regarding application for admission into our programmes.

For postgraduate programmes, a member of staff is assigned at the cluster level to ensure inquiries pertaining to applications and admissions are dealt with expeditiously.

We are keen to grow enrollments in all our disciplines. In this regard, new courses and degree programmes are planned. In particular, more interdisciplinary courses are being developed in gender studies at 1-3 year levels. In addition a new structured degree programme is being developed in Development, Environment and Politics (DEP). To do this, the Cluster’s academic and administrative staff strive to promote an open door policy and timeous responses in providing necessary support to our students and stakeholders.

Academic Leader – Professor Anand Singh