Development studies is a multidisciplinary branch of social science which addresses issues of concern to developing countries

Developing country

A developing country, also known as a less-developed country, is a nation with a low level of material well-being. Since no single definition of the term developing country is recognized internationally, the levels of development may vary widely within so-called developing countries...

. It has historically placed a particular focus on issues related to social and economic development

Economic development

Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area...

, and its relevance may therefore extend to communities and regions outside of the developing world.

The Development Studies Association

Development Studies Association

The Development Studies Association is a scholarly society which works to "connect and promote the development research community in UK and Ireland"...

 http://www.devstud.org.uk/ is a major source of information for research on and studying in development studies in the UK and Ireland.