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

• Critical Approaches to Development (20 credits) – critically examine development theories and their application
• Choice of optional modules (100 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

Specialist pathways

• Poverty, Inequality and Development
• Conflict, Security and Development
• International Political Economy and Development
• Governance and Statebuilding
• Urban Development

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.