PGPDM curriculum and programme structure

The Post Graduate Programme in Development Management (PGPDM) is a 42-credit programme designed for working professionals in the social and development sectors. Delivered across three academic terms, PGPDM culminates with a social impact project. The curriculum comprises 30 courses covering development management, organisational leadership, strategy, finance, communication, and emerging management practices.

The programme combines management education with development sector expertise to help professionals strengthen their leadership, management, and social impact capabilities. PGPDM pedagogical and curricular innovations include:

  • Strong emphasis on real-life problem solving

    Using case studies, application exercises and field-based assignments.

  • Leadership Lab

    Experiential laboratory at Bhavan’s Nature and Adventure Centre at SPJIMR Campus in Mumbai that sets the foundation for the year-long leadership development journey.

  • Regular reflections and feedback sessions

    In every contact, to help integrate learnings from various courses and make mid-course corrections.

  • Communications Excellence Lab

    A lab that translates raw talent into a polished media-ready executive presence.

  • Feasible for working professionals

    Contacts are scheduled to allow students to continue working in their organisations, while simultaneously applying classroom learnings.

  • Writing Lab

    A lab to help the students improve their basic writing skills and create a foundation for the advanced writing required in professional life.

  • Extensive alumni network

    Strong network of PGPDM alumni and SPJIMR’s other alumni base.

  • Manthan: Reading classics on the social sector

    Book reading sessions to inculcate the habit of reading and learning from classic works on social change.

  • Social Impact Project

    A yearlong capstone project guided by faculty and with an opportunity to work with SPJIMR's full-time management students.

  • Leadership Talks

    Sessions with experts and leaders from the development sector.

Curriculum structure: 30 courses (42 credits)

Programme architecture

Courses

  • Term I

    1. Developing self and leadership for social impact
    2. Fundamentals of economics
    3. Marketing for the development sector
    4. Communication skills
    5. Understanding society and government
    6. Excel for development
    7. Strategy fundamentals for the social sector
    8. Finance for development professionals
    9. Systems thinking

  • Term II

    1. Introduction to SDGs and ESG
    2. Theory of change and programme design
    3. Research methodology for social impact
    4. Strategic people management
    5. Design thinking
    6. Technology and AI for the development sector
    7. Legal Aspects and Governance of Social Sector Organisations

  • Term III

    1. CSR: Governance and compliance
    2. Programme evaluation and impact assessment
    3. Fundraising and resource mobilisation
    4. Project management for the development sector
    5. Social entrepreneurship
    6. Public Policy: Formulation, implementation and analysis

  • **Electives (choose any 5)

    1. A historical perspective on philanthropy and development
    2. Development finance
    3. Education system, policy and finance
    4. Management of change
    5. Media and social change
    6. Service excellence and innovation in the development sector
    7. Social media and digital marketing
    8. Women entrepreneurship
    9. Advanced strategic management for the social sector
    10. Branding for not-for-profits
    11. Data analysis and visualisation
    12. Organisational and financial compliances

  • *Workshops (choose any one)

    1. Leading with wisdom
    2. Negotiation skills
    3. Management of volunteers
    4. Behaviour change communication

  • Year-long courses

    1. Manthan (over Term I, II and III)
    2. Social Impact Project (over Term I, II, and III)

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