School of Development studies provides PhD, Mphi and M A programs in development studies. M A Development studies and local development is a unique course offered by Thunchath ezhuthachan Malayalam University. The aim of the course is to provide sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge to create dynamic social scientists that are able to suggest practical solutions with strong theoretical understanding related to the local developmental issues of Kerala. Like all other M A programmes in Malayalam University, M A development studies and local development, Malayalam is the medium of instruction. Kerala is Unique in implementing decentralized planning and development strategies through peoples planning. The success of decentralized planning and implementation lies with the availability of skilled personals that are able to diagnose the specific economic issues of a locality. The course is designed in such a way to generate skilled social scientists with sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge. The laboratory of social scientist is the society. Hence, the understanding of the complicated social theories and the practical knowledge of the research techniques is an integral part of any social science curriculum. This course provides ample space for these skills along with social skills, communication skills and critical thinking.