Postgraduate Diploma in Development Leadership: Azim Premji University
Azim Premji University was established under the Azim Premji University Act 2010 of the Government of Karnataka. Azim Premji Foundation, the sponsoring body set up the University as a fully philanthropic and not-for-profit entity, with a clear social purpose. The University started in 2011 and since then have admitted over 2000 students.
Introduction
Is effective leadership of development organisations only about the ability to implement multiple programmes and managing teams? Or, are organisational leaders expected to have broader understanding of development theories, India’s overall development journey, frameworks of development action, and organisational cultures and leadership approaches?
Should leadership of development organisations be based on the same organisational principles which apply in the corporate world? Or, does the development ecosystem and organisational context require us to rethink some of these principles?
Our Diploma programme emerges from and responds to such questions to enable mid-career and senior level professionals to prepare for leadership roles in their organisations. We aim to advance participants’ understanding of development leadership beyond programmatic considerations, by helping them anchor their rich experiences and within a broader understanding of civil society and its trajectories.
For experienced development professionals
What we offer
This programme will help participants to:
1. Deepen their perspectives on the wider historical processes and lived experiences shaping development realities in India to better inform their work.
2. Imagine alternative development approaches and outcomes, which foster equity, justice and sustainability.
3. Strengthen capabilities of leadership to build inclusive, adaptive and collaborative organisations.
4. Enhance analytical, communication and other competencies for oversight of financial management, data analysis and communication for development action and advocacy.
This programme is designed for professionals with eight or more years of experience in the development sector (like livelihood, sustainability, education, health, sanitation and hygiene, ecology etc). It is open to those working in NGOs, social movements and grassroots organisations.
The programme will be conducted in English.
Eligibility criteria
- Undergraduate degree in any discipline
- Eight or more years of work in any domain of the development sector(like livelihood, sustainability, education, health, sanitation and hygiene, ecology etc), preferably with marginalized groups in urban or rural locations
- Currently in leadership roles in their respective organisations, or likely to move into such roles within the next three years
- Consent and recommendation from the applicant’s current employer
- Fluency in English (reading, written, spoken)
We encourage applications from women and other groups which are underrepresented in the leadership of social sector organisations in the country.
If you need to bring young children to the on-campus component, please contact us for childcare requirements.
Please note that the University will not be able to assure child-care arrangement and any such arrangement may incur additional cost.
Do write to us at <admission.pgd@apu.edu.in> with your queries.
Contact no — 8951978091
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Submit online application form
Step 2: Recommendation form to be submitted by the current employer of shortlisted applicants
Step 3: Written test and panel interview
FEES
The fee for the programme is INR 72,000 (this includes tuition fees, accommodation fees for the on-campus component and GST). Other expenses such as travel, food, etc. will have to be borne by the participant or their organisation. Financial assistance will be considered upon request
For partners or small NGOs, a fee waiver of 50% can be considered. This is at the discretion of the University.
Calendar
| Term | On-campus | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Jan 22 – Feb 08, 2024 | Feb 17 – Mar 09, 2024 & Mar 30 – May 04, 2024 |
| Term 2 | Jul 15 – Aug 02, 2024 | Aug 10 – Sep 21, 2024 |
| Term 3 | Nov 25 – Dec 13, 2024 | Oct 12 – Nov 16, 2024 |
*Dates are tentative
Course structure
This is a eleven-month programme with a blend of on-campus classes and online learning, over three terms.
Each term has an on-campus residential component of three weeks, and an online component of three months. The online classes are transacted over weekends with live lectures, online discussions, assignments and guided project work.
Our programme is designed to help you continue your existing work and employment, while being enrolled in study towards this diploma.
Pedagogy
Our programme is designed for experienced organisational professionals, and assumes that you will bring deep experience of grassroots work and will build on that experience in the class interactions. It therefore utilises peer group learning, practice-based readings, guest lectures, discussions, films and simulations.
Content22 credits
India’s Development Histories
Contemporary Development Realities in India
Approaches to Development Action
Development Theories and Critiques
Data Analysis for Social Action
Competencies for Effective Communication
Shaping Organisational Culture
Principles of Financial Management
Leadership Practices for Development Organisations
Seminar course: Emerging Themes in Development
Term 1 Project: Reflections on Development Practice
Term 2 Project: Leading Organisational Change
The programme also includes interactions with institution builders and organisational leaders from the development sector
Total 22 credits
