Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD)

Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)

Preamble

The Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) is a new graduate programme in the Department of Adult, Community and Lifelong Learning (DACoLL) at Kyambogo University, Uganda. It was instituted in 2023 after approval and accreditation by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), and Kyambogo University, Uganda. The programme runs for two (2) years on full-time and it’s provided in a flexible mode of study using both face-to-face and virtual learning. The programme has two (2) study plans to choose from i.e. Plan A: Masters by Course Work and Research, and Plan B: Masters by Course Work and Project Report all completed in two (2) years of studies. The program is under the mandate of the Directorate of Graduate Training and Research of Kyambogo University and is implemented in conjunction with the coordination of the Department in the Faculty of Special Needs and Rehabilitation.

Rationale

Often times we’ve observed community development projects and/or programs not effectively address the needs of target communities in Uganda. Similarly, the prevalent mindset among the populace that the government will and/or should largely meet their needs has hindered the ownership and sustainability of development programs. There’s a need to enable community members and their leaders to understand their principal responsibility of taking charge of their own development. Besides, development partners, planners and managers need to appreciate the importance of enabling communities to realize their obligations, and use their lived experiences and local resources in accelerating their communities’ development. In the above regard, we need to appreciate and maximize the value of informal, non-formal and formal learning opportunities rooted in the tenets of lifelong learning in development programs, so as to enable inclusive and participatory involvement of locals.

Aim

The Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) programme intends to train people involved in community development work and/or aspiring at the advanced level to appreciate the tenets of participatory and lifelong learning approaches in community development, so as to accelerate Uganda’s aspiration for achieving its development goals and attain middle-income status.

Target Group

The Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) targets people with various professional and work experiences in community development work such as; Adult and Community Education Facilitators, Leaders and Managers in community-based services, Program Managers, Capacity building Officers, Program Managers, Capacity Building Officers and Managers, Social Workers, and Planners and Supervisors of Community Development Extension Workers and Programmes.

Mode of Delivery

Learning in the Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) is facilitated in an adult-centred way with interactive, reflective self-study, group-based learning, and research seminars through a blended system of delivery. It involves flexible online and physical face-to-face modes of facilitation that meet the busy schedules of adult and participants who have various responsibilities.

Admission to the Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) is by Kyambogo University Graduate School Procedures and Regulations. A candidate is eligible for admission to the GMCD on meeting any of the three (3) following minimum requirements.

• Holds at least a second-class lower bachelor’s degree preferably in Adult and Community Education, community-based Based Rehabilitation, Community Development, Social Justice, Social Work, Development Studies, Education, and Special Needs Education from a recognized University/Institution of Higher Education.
• Holds at least a second-class lower bachelor’s degree in other fields (apart from those listed in 1 above), and are practitioners in community education, community development, and lifelong learning from a recognized University/Institution of Higher Education.
• Holders of a Credit in Postgraduate Diploma in Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GPCD) of Kyambogo University will be admitted in year two of the GMCD master programme.

Graduates from the Master of Community Development and Lifelong Learning (GMCD) programme at Kyambogo University have promising future of employment as community development workers, educators, specialists, programme managers, community development officers, and consultants among other community development roles. Graduates will be employed in public and private sectors including nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), but can also set up their own organizations to provide technical services in and/or for community education and development

• For Ugandan and East African Students: 3,000,000 UGX per annum; (1,500,000=) per semester
• For International Students: 4,500,000 UGX per annum; (2,250,000=) per semester

All prospective students shall always apply via the university’s admissions portal for the open intakes. The admissions portal can be accessed here.

You can also learn more about open in-takes from here.

Michael David, Summani, Ph.D., Lecturer 
Postgraduate Programme Coordinator Department of Adult, Community and Lifelong Learning (DACoLL)
Kyambogo University, Uganda
Email: msumani@kyu.ac.ug  Phone: (+256) 0702 423 880

Peace Buhwamatsiko, Tumuheki, Ph.D., Lecturer 
Head, Department of Adult, Community and Lifelong Learning (DACoLL)
 Kyambogo University, Uganda
Email: pbuhwamatsiko@kyu.ac.ug Phone: (+256) 706 560 424