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

This programme is concerned with the following questions: How can we create sustainable communities amidst widespread urban poverty and rapid urbanisation? How can the management of towns and cities contribute to socially inclusive development? The challenge is to develop policies and practices that will reduce urban poverty and create decent, sustainable living conditions for many of the world’s most neglected populations. The programme brings together the strengths of two departments in the University of Birmingham, the International Development Department and the Centre for Regional and Urban Studies (CURS). Issues examined include: key topics in urban governance and management; regional and urban change; poverty reduction in urban centres; analysis of urban governance, management and policy issues.

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: course structure.

Fieldwork

Gain first-hand experience of development concepts plus valuable work experience without additional costs. This Masters degree enable students either to carry out individual fieldwork in a country and on a topic of their choice or to take part in an organised study visit. Funding for this overseas study is included in the programme fee. 

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 understanding of the central issues and policies in relation to processes of urbanisation and urban development in the South
• An understanding of the main socio-economic changes that cause urban growth in the developing world and the impact of urban growth, specifically on urban poverty issues
• An understanding of the policy alternatives and implications for urban poverty reduction
• An ability to analyse the urban economy and urban poverty where social exclusion, crime and fear of crime dominate much of people’s experience of living in run down urban areas
• An understanding of the operation of tensions between central and local tiers of government and the role that other agencies play in the process of urban regeneration
• 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)