Kimmage DSC has provided courses in development studies since 1974 and has a strong reputation in Ireland and abroad.  It offers multidisciplinary programmes at undergraduate (BA) and post graduate (MA) levels. Options for study exist on both a full time and part time basis. Students gain from a unique combination of studies, which aim to combine the practical and the theoretical, the academic and the skill based. Traditional development studies courses, such as Development Economics, Sociology of Development, and Anthropology, are complemented by subjects which have a large training, active learning and skills based component, such as Adult Education, Leadership Skills, and Project Planning and Management.

Kimmage DSC offers an intercultural and experience-based learning environment where participants can learn from and build long lasting relationships and friendships with a diverse group of active and committed people. The ethos and identity of Kimmage DSC is embodied in an approach based on participatory learning and critical thinking that seeks to empower participants.

Graduates of Kimmage DSC have gone on to work in areas such as community and rural development, human rights and advocacy, and development eduction. These include staff in Irish and international development agencies (NGOs), as well as in the voluntary and community development sector in Ireland.

All programmes run in Kimmage DSC are accredited by the HETAC (www.hetac.ie).

All courses run in the Kimmage DSC and those run on an outreach basis are accredited by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (HETAC).

Programmes currently on offer include:

• MA / Post Graduate Diploma in Development studies
• BA Degree in Development Studies
• 'Understanding Development' Part-time evening course

Kimmage DSC offers a unique combination of studies which aim to combine the practical and the theoretical, the academic and the skill based. The development studies courses of Development Economics, Sociology, and Anthropology are complemented by subjects which have a large training, active learning  and skills component, such as Adult Education, Group Facilitation Skills, Gender and Development, Financial Management and Project Planning and Management. Such courses have proven invaluable in enabling practitioners to work effectively for social, economic and political change in society and the holistic development of all.

The DSC offers courses at different levels, facilitating people already holding higher level qualifications as well as those without. The KDSC is particularly keen to provide an opportunity to micro-development or grassroots project workers who may lack the usual entry requirements for university to enhance their understanding of development theory, to acquire new skills and to obtain an internationally recognised higher level qualification. Vacancies also exist for postgraduate level students interested in embarking in pursuing a career in some aspect of development work either in Ireland or abroad.