The Centre for Development Support (CDS) is a progressive research and development unit within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) which aims to promote sustainable human development in the broader South African society through its research projects. In addition to this, the CDS also presents a two-year multi-disciplinary Master's Programme in Development Studies (MDS) using resource-based learning. This degree is designed for people currently working in a development-related context or who intend to do so.

Vision

To be a leading research, training, and knowledge centre promoting sustainable human development

Mission
Promoting sustainable development through:

• Conducting research which enables and facilitates development initiatives,  programmes, and academic excellence
• Building capacity through research, training, and development programmes
• Being a knowledge-generation hub focused on three niche areas, namely:
  
  • Human development and the capabilities approach
  • Urban economies, inequalities and urban processes 
  • Vulnerable populations, their environments, organisation and communities (for example, CBOs, NGOs and social enterprises) 
    
• Developing and being a part of a diverse network of national, broader regional and international development expertise.