International Development (with specialist pathways) MSc/GDip

Summary

This programme allows you to explore in depth the challenges facing developing and developed countries in the fight against global poverty, as well as to understand the promise and problems of proposed approaches to poverty reduction. Issues covered include: theories and history of development; changing approaches to poverty reduction; practical policy, programme and research skills.

Key facts

Type of Course: Taught, continuing professional development

Duration: MSc: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time. Graduate Diploma: 9 months full-time, 2 years part-time. (part time options only available to UK/EU students)

Start date: September 2012

Entry requirements

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

Contact details

Debra Beard
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5034
Email: d.l.beard@bham.ac.uk

How to apply

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

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Fees and funding

Fees for 2012–13: UK/EU full-time: £6,270; UK/EU part-time: £3,135; International full-time: £12,750. Please check with the Department for the latest fees information.

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships
 Scholarships may be available see the departmental scholarships and funding pages. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

For further information contact the Department directly or email sfo@contacts.bham.ac.uk 

Programme overview

This programme allows you to explore in depth the challenges facing developing and developed countries in the fight against global poverty, as well as to understand the promise and problems of proposed approaches to poverty reduction. Issues covered include: theories and history of development; changing approaches to poverty reduction; practical policy, programme and research skills.

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 core pathway is designed for flexibility, allowing you to choose over half of the MSc content from a wide range of optional modules. View the 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. 

Specialist pathways

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:

  • Appreciation of some of the major challenges in international development today
  • Analytical skills to critique different approaches to international development
  • 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.

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This main pathway is designed for flexibility, allowing you to choose over half of the MSc content from a wide range of optional modules.

Compulsory core module:

Compulsory:

  • 60 credits - Dissertation – you focus in depth on a topic of particular interest, with support from a dissertation supervisor (MSc only)

100 credits from the following: