Department of Development and Sustainability

About Us

Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) aims to respond to emerging challenges to sustainable development in Asia and rest of the world. The world is rapidly changing economically, socially, politically as well as culturally. In order to effectively address various emerging issues, we need to have critical and deep analysis of contexts under a multiplicity of identities – be it by gender, religion, ethnicity, class, age, geographical location, livelihood, etc.

There are urgent needs for professionals who are able to apply multi-disciplinary approach to problem solving, with in-depth understanding and responsiveness to the various needs of women and men.

We strive to generate knowledge and approaches to meet these needs in the region.

Mission

To develop a next generation of leaders who are able to address emerging and rapidly changing development needs involving various resources – natural, human, social, economical or political and to serve the society by producing analysis and grounded knowledge that will contribute to improve practices for sustainable development.

Our Programs

The Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) at AIT has a long-standing reputation for excellence, with graduates securing roles in top organizations like the ADB, UN, and World Bank. Our programs offer a global perspective, taught by experts who combine academic rigor with real-world relevance.
Development and Sustainability (DS)
Focuses on interdisciplinary sustainable development, preparing students to create lasting, positive change.
Development Planning Management and Innovation (DPMI)
Merges development with management and innovation, grooming future leaders.
Gender and Development Studies (GDS)
Strengthens gender analysis capacity to promote gender equity in sustainable development.
Urban Innovation and Sustainability (UIS)
Addresses urbanization and climate change challenges through sustainable solutions.

Degree Option

Admission and Scholarship Timeline

The AIT academic year has two intakes: January and August
The Deadline for the January intake: The application deadline for overseas applicants requiring an educational visa is 20 December.
The Deadline for August intake:
  • 28 February: HM King’s, Queen’s scholarships, and RTG Fellowships
  • 31 March: ADB-JSP and CSC
  • 10 June: AIT Scholarships
  • 30 June: Overseas applicants requiring an educational visa 
The Deadline for the January intake: The application deadline for overseas applicants requiring an educational visa is 20 December 
The Deadline for August intake: 28 February: HM King’s, Queen’s scholarships, and RTG Fellowships

        Scholarship Opportunity

        Royal Thai Government (RTG) Scholarships for Doctoral and Master Degree program
        • His Majesty the King’s Scholarships for Doctoral Programs
        • Her Majesty the Queen’s Scholarships for Master’s Programs
        Royal Thai Government (RTG) Fellowships for Thai applicants
        Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
        Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
        Asian Development Bank-Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP)
        AIT Scholarships

        Application Requirements

        FILL UP Online Application: Linkage is here: https://ait.ac.th/apply-online/
        Pay Application Processing Fees: 25 USD or 800 Baht
        Degree Certification & Transcripts
        – Bachelor’s CGPA ≥ 2.75/4 or equivalent for Master’s Degree
        – Master’s CGPA ≥ 3.25/4 or equivalent for Doctoral Degree
        English proficiency scores as required by AIT Language Center (IELTS 6.0 (Writing band) or AIT EET ≥ 6.0)
        Please visit here for more information: https://ait.ac.th/eligibility/english-proficiency-requirement-for-admission/
        For Ph.D.
        – Two Letters of Recommendation
        – A Research Proposal 2-3 pages

          Career Opportunities

          The Department employs an interdisciplinary approach to train and produce highly skilled professionals in the fields of Gender and Development Studies; Natural Resources Management; Regional Rural Development Planning; and Urban Environmental Management; and Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation and Management.

          Our graduates work for local and international research institutions; universities; government and non-governmental organizations; as well as international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and others.

          Contact Us

          Department of Development & Sustainability

          School of Environment, Resources and Development
          Asian Institute of Technology 

          Room S202, Academic Building,
          P.O.Box 4,  58 Moo 9, Km 42, Paholyothin Highway, 
          Khlong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120 THAILAND
          Email: dds-head@ait.ac.th
          Tel: (+66) 2524 6387; (+66) 2524 5668
          Fax: (+66) 2524 6431