MSc:

• An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.0) or
• A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
• Adequate capacity in written and spoken English. For those whose first language is not English, evidence of this capacity is required. Applicants should reach at least level 6.5 in the IELTS or 580 /93 for TOEFL.
• Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration.

Graduate Diploma:

• A lower second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field is normally required. However, work experience can also be taken into consideration.
• Adequate capacity in written and spoken English: for those whose first language is not English, evidence of this capacity is required. Applicants should reach at least level 6 in the IELTS or 550/80 for TOEFL.

Learn more about entry requirements|

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries – learn more about international entry requirements| 

English language requirements: see above

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Offered in collaboration with the Department of Political Science and International Studies, this programme combines theoretical approaches to international political economy with practical experience of development to create a unique, multidisciplinary degree.

Issues examined include: competing theories of political economy and political development; how theories of development link to development practice; different political systems and their histories; the complex relationship between political economy and development, including trade, financial systems, and aid; the impact of political systems and political actors on developmental success and failure; the impact of the global, regional and national political economy on aid and donor policies.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for recent graduates preparing to work in international development and for professionals working for NGOs, donor or government funded development programmes

Programme content

This specialised pathway comprises the following modules:

• Critical Approaches to Development (20 credits)
• Development Politics (20 credits)
• International Political Economy (40 credits)
• Choice of optional modules (40 credits) – choose from over 25 IDD modules plus others from across the University
• Organised overseas study visit to investigate cutting-edge issues and learn from detailed discussions with policymakers and practitioners
• Dissertation (60 credits, MSc only) – you focus in depth on a topic of particular interest, with support from a dissertation supervisor

Learning, teaching and assessment

The programme uses a range of learning and teaching methods including short lectures, group work, group and individual presentations, individual study and exercises. Each module is assessed differently using assessments that include 2,000–3,000 word essays, group projects, presentations, exercises and exams. A 10,000–12,000 word dissertation is also required for the MSc award.

Skills gained

Students will gain:

• An in-depth understanding of competing development theories – their origins, their continuities and their differences – and the ability to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
• An understanding and ability to critique the distinctions between economic, social and political approaches to development
• An understanding of the role of international institutions (such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation) in the processes of development and an ability to critique the theoretical underpinnings of these institutions
• The ability to critically appraise the role of the state in the governance of developing countries
• Writing skills to produce well structured and coherent essays and reports, making good use of references
• Oral presentation skills
• Ability to access material from different sources including policy documents and other publications from governments and international organisations, documents from the internet, and from books and academic journals
• The capacity to interpret and make use of material from the above sources

Careers

The programme is designed for recent graduates preparing to work in international development and for professionals working for NGOs, donor or government funded development programmes.

More information on: International Development MSc (with specialist pathways)|