Bachelor of Development Studies Course Requirements at UMP
University of Mpumalanga · Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Bachelor of Development Studies is a bachelor's Degree offered by UMP for 2027 learners, taking 3 Year to complete. This page covers the Grade 12 subjects and admission score you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Grade 12 Required Subjects to study Bachelor of Development Studies at UMP
National Senior Certificate. English (Home Language or First Additional Language) at Level 4, Mathematics at Level 2 or Mathematical Literacy at Level 3, Geography or History plus one other social or commercial subject at Level 4, and a Science subject at Level 4.
About this course
This three-year degree examines the social, economic and political dynamics of development, with a focus on issues relevant to rural and regional contexts such as Mpumalanga. Students study theories of development alongside policy analysis, project planning and community engagement methods. The qualification prepares graduates for work in government, non-profit and donor-funded development initiatives.
Possible careers
Development Practitioner, Local Government Officer, NGO Programme Officer, Policy Analyst, Project Coordinator
How to apply for 2027 studies
Apply directly through the University of Mpumalanga's own application system at www.ump.ac.za.
Course intelligence for Bachelor of Development Studies
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Good sign: Skills Development Practitioner appears on South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand, a Department of Higher Education and Training analysis of employer hiring activity. Employers have been reporting real recruitment pressure for this role, which generally works in your favour once you’ve completed Bachelor of Development Studies.
NSFAS funding
As a Bachelor's Degree at UMP, a public institution, this course generally falls within NSFAS’s undergraduate funding scope. Funding is means-tested and not automatic, so confirm your own eligibility at nsfas.org.za before relying on it.
Admission chances
UMP’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with UMP and NSFAS.
- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 June 2026
- Close: 30 November 2026
View all Courses at UMP
- Duration
- 3 Year
- NQF Level
- 7
- APS / Points
- Minimum Admission Point Score: 32
- Campus
- Mbombela Campus, Mbombela
Related courses
FPS approx. 435 (Band A gua…Source: university-of-mpumalanga.json, last verified 2026-08-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with University of Mpumalanga before applying.