Academic Programs

At the Development Studies & Research Institute (DSRI), we offer a range of specialized graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex development challenges. Our programs are interdisciplinary, policy-oriented, and tailored to the needs of Sudan and the broader region. They are open to graduates from economics, social sciences, agriculture, and related fields. Here’s what we offer:

Graduate Diploma in Development and Planning

• Duration: One year (two semesters)
• Focus: This program is designed for mid-career professionals, building capacity in socio-economic development and strategic planning. Students explore economic theory, research methods, rural development, and project evaluation.
• Streams: After the first semester, students choose between the Development Studies Stream or the Development Planning Stream.
• Career Impact: Graduates gain the skills to analyze and assess development processes at national, regional, and project levels.

M.Sc. in Development and Planning (By Courses & Research)

• Duration: Two years
• Focus: This advanced program combines interdisciplinary coursework with in-depth research. The first year focuses on advanced development theories, economic policy, and planning, while the second year is dedicated to supervised research aligned with DSRI’s priorities.
• Career Impact: Perfect for professionals in policy analysis, evaluation, and design, this program prepares graduates for leadership roles in development institutions.

Diploma/M.Sc. in International Trade and Development

• Duration: Two years (Diploma in the first year, M.Sc. in the second)
• Focus: This program trains professionals in fair, pro-poor trade policies and economic development, blending interdisciplinary coursework with practical applications.
• Career Impact: Graduates are equipped to design and evaluate trade policies that promote inclusive growth.

Research & Consultancy Program

The rapid and dramatic development in the economic, political, and social life in the Sudan during the last decade has raised pressing research issues. Problems of poverty alleviation, structural adjustment, power sharing and the distribution of wealth, gender and development and the role of NGOs to mention only few constitute DSRI future research agenda. The DSRI conducted many surveys in different parts of Sudan.

The DSRI encourages group research and co-operates with national and international organizations in implementing its research programs as well as provides the necessary logistic support for research work of such institutions. The co-operation program capitalizes the DSRI successful research activities for the last thirty years.

Ph.D. in Development (By Research)

• Duration: Three years
• Focus: Launched in 2011, this research-intensive program builds high-level expertise in development policy and planning. Students conduct original research to tackle Sudan’s development challenges.
• Career Impact: Graduates are prepared for academic, research, and leadership roles in national and international development institutions.

Our programs emphasize applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact, ensuring graduates are ready to drive meaningful change in Sudan and beyond.

Research and Consultancy

DSRI is a leader in development research and consultancy, tackling Sudan’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Our work is guided by a commitment to evidence-based solutions and strong partnerships with national and international organizations.

Research Focus Areas

• Poverty Alleviation: Investigating strategies to reduce poverty and promote inclusive growth.
• Structural Adjustment: Analyzing economic reforms and their impact on development.
• Power-Sharing and Wealth Distribution: Exploring governance models for equitable resource allocation.
• Gender and Development: Integrating gender perspectives into policy and practice.
• Role of NGOs: Assessing the contributions of civil society to development.

Consultancy Services

DSRI offers expert consultancy to government entities, NGOs, and international organizations, including:

• Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Providing insights into the effectiveness of development policies and programs.
• Project Design and Implementation: Supporting the planning and execution of development projects.
• Capacity Building: Delivering tailored training programs to enhance institutional capabilities.

Collaborations and Impact

With about 40 years of successful research and programmatic interventions, DSRI has partnered with organizations like the United Nations, the Netherlands, Ford foundation, DFID, the EU/EC, the Norwegian and Swedish Ministries of Foreign Affairs, and academic institutions worldwide. Our research involves group projects and surveys across Sudan, ensuring findings reflect local realities.