Would you like to specialize in the economic development of rural areas? And are you interested in the social perspective? The major Development Studies focuses on a wide range of issues in developing countries and how people in these countries deal with them, such as the impact of globalisation and world trade, poverty, and climate change.
Interview with Development Studies (Rural, Community and Economic Development) students
REN Chiva (23), THATT Iengmonor (22), ROEUN Lida (20) and MIEV Saveth (22) study Community Development at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. They chose this major because they had some experience in this field and wanted to be involved in community work or in the development of communities in rural areas. LIN Nabet (20) takes Community Studies at the Royal University of Phnom Penh. He chose this major because job opportunities are good after graduation and you gain knowledge about economic analysis and stock, revenue growth, finance, export and import and you are taught to find documents that relate to economic growth at home and abroad.
Their favourite subjects? Four of the interviewees mention Community Leadership and Community Management, Community Administration, Community Development, Project Management, Research Studies and Entrepreneurship. Nabet’s favourite subject is History of Economics because it gives you an insight into the problems in economy and economic processes around the world.
Ienmonor and Lida add that this major has more positives. You can go on study tours of communities, you get an opportunity to join trainings and to compete with foreign students and you have a chance to go abroad.
You will spend 5 days a week at university, but need more time to do research, group work, assignments and presentations. This will take 18 hours or more after you finish classes, in the evening or at the weekend.
Their plans for the future: work for the Ministry of Rural Development, for organisations related to community work, agricultural entrepreneurship or teaching in this field.
Their tips for you? The students think that the high school subjects of Morality, Khmer, Geography, Geology, History, Mathematics and English are important if you want to take this major. Lida mentions that you should also love social work and Iengmonor adds that you should be skilful in communication. You should also stay focussed, communicate with the people around you and take every chance you get to improve your abilities. You should also be flexible and learn to work in a team.
Interview with a Developmental Economics and Economics and Management student
DAN Daravuth (19) is a year 2 student at the Royal University of Law and Economics (RULE) and is taking two majors: Developmental Economics and Economics and Management. Daruvith got a scholarship to study at RULE and as he is really interested in politics and socioeconomics these majors are a good fit. So far he is really pleased with his choice because you learn how the government deals with the economic crisis and why spending is increased or decreased. You will also understand the relationship between price and the quality of goods, you learn about agricultural economics, international economics and learn how the market works.
His favourite subjects are Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, because they provide you with a better understanding of world economy and how individuals, firms and states make certain decisions in the economic world.
What is difficult for him is that for this major you need to be good at English, because most books on economics and articles for research are in English. So, if you are interested in this major, you should pay special attention to English when you are in high school. Another high school subject you should concentrate on is mathematics, because this is essential in economics.
Daravuth says these two majors met his expectations, because he now understands how economic decisions come about. He adds that in the future he would like to work for the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The following universities offer this major:
- Angkor University, Siem Reap
- Asia Euro University, Phnom Penh
- Beltei International University, Phnom Penh
- Cambodian Mekong University, Phnom Penh
- Cambodian University for Specialities, Phnom Penh
- Chea Sim University of Kamchaymear, Kamchaymear
- City University, Phnom Penh
- Dewey International University, Battambang
- International University, Phnom Penh
- Khmer University of Technology and Management, Sihanoukville
- Mean Chey University, Banteay Meanchey
- National University of Battambang, Battambang
- National University of Management, Phnom Penh
- Norton University, Phnom Penh
- Panha Chiet University, Phnom Penh
- Phnom Penh International University, Phnom Penh
- Prek Leap National College of Agriculture, Phnom Penh
- Royal University of Agriculture, Phnom Penh
- Royal University of Law and Economics, Phnom Penh
- Royal University of Phnom Penh, Phnom Penh
- Svay Rieng University, Svay Rieng
- University of Cambodia, Phnom Penh
- University of Management and Economics, Battambang
- Western University, Phnom Penh
Please be aware that the majors offered by universities change over time and that the overview given on this page might not be entirely up to date. We advise you to do your own research on the university’s website or to contact the university’s student affairs office to check that they offer the major of your choice.