The University of Zambia - UNZA Speciality : Development Studies
programme: Development Studies

I studied Development Studies at the University of Zambia (UNZA), and my experience shaped my current perspective on sustainable development and community-based change.

The programme provided a strong interdisciplinary foundation, covering economics, policy, sociology and environmental issues facing `Zambia and the Southern African region. Many lectures were deeply knowledgeable and encouraged critical thinking about development challenges, both locally and globally.
UNZA also gave me the opportunity to connect with students from diverse backgrounds, enriching both academic and social learning. The library and academic structure, though sometimes stretched, were helpful in developing research and analytical skills that I still rely on today.

Like many public institutions in the region, UNZA faces resource constraints. At times, this meant overcrowded classes, delayed assessments, and limited access to up-to-date materials or academic technology. Administrative processes could be slow sometimes when it came to registration or student support services. Despite these challenges, many students and lecturers remained committed and resilient, a trait that defines much of the university’s spirit.

I would recommend the programme, especially for students who are passionate about development and want a context-based education that reflects African realities. The program lays a solid foundation for careers in policy, NGO work, community development, and even further studies abroad. However, incoming students should be prepared to be proactive, self-motivated, and flexible in navigating the institutional limitations.

It is a really good university even though students have no way to redeem themselves after having a bad year. The school does not offer supplementary exams and this affects students that are lacking behind or are going through something. In my first and second year I lost my loved ones to death and I had difficulties recovering and paying attention in school so my results were bad and I couldn’t redeem myself. The lack of supplementary exams has led to the University having a high number of students graduating with a pass.

It is a really good university with well qualified Lecturers and high grading systems, unfortunately they do not offer supplementary exams to help students that were lacking behind improve with their grades. This leads to a very high number of students graduating with a pass every year. My experience in first and second year were bad as I had lost loved ones to death and hard difficulties recovering and paying attention to school. Therefore, I ended up with poor results and could not redeem myself because my school did not offer supplementary exams. Hence affecting my overall GPA

My opinion is that they are still using the more traditional ways of teaching and learning
My contribution would be to take those ways n make it more virtual and modern using technology by giving ideas of e-learning platforms like moodle