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International Development MSc
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2026Duration12 months full time, 24 months part time (part time options only available to UK students)
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirementsUpper 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field
- Fees (UK/Ireland)£12,150 (full-time) / £6,075 (part-time)
Course overview
The MSc in International Development prepares you to critically engage with the global forces shaping inequality and change. Who benefits from development, and why? What drives contestation over resources, policy, and power? This programme gives you the theoretical grounding and practical skills to answer those questions, and apply them across careers in international organisations, government, NGOs, and beyond.
Studying at the University of Birmingham was a great experience that combined both theoretical and practical aspects of International Development. I particularly appreciated the blend of modules that examined both the challenges and opportunities in international development, and how innovation and collaboration can transform countries. The university also arranged numerous events that provided excellent networking opportunities, enabling me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and gain insights into global development challenges.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students.
First Term
First Term
Students will study one 20-credit core module focused on development theories, their historical and contemporary applications in economic, social, and political contexts as well as case studies. The remaining 100 credits are chosen from our list of International Development optional modules. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Second Term
Second Term
Study a combination of optional modules to gather a total of 100 credits from our list of International Development modules. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks, written exams and/or presentations.
Summer Term
Summer Term
During this term, you will be completing assignments and focusing on your 60-credit dissertation, which may be undertaken with individual fieldwork.
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What makes this course different?
The MSc in International Development equips you to explore the politics of development in a rapidly evolving global landscape, covering topics such as sustainability and the climate crisis, governance, conflict, and foreign aid, gender, race, and inequality, and democracy and authoritarianism. You will have the opportunity to undertake international fieldwork and choose specialist modules taught by experts in the field.
- Acquire the analytical tools and knowledge to critique approaches to international development challenges in a variety of contexts
- Analyse debates, practices, and contestation in international development across the globe
- Apply your understanding of the shifting approaches to international development to a wide range of contexts and examples
- Develop an original project on a topic of your choice, building your research and analysis skills
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Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including short lectures, problem solving, role play and group work.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
A Masters programme is made up of 180 credits in total. For this programme, you'll take one core modules (20 credits) and a dissertation (60 credits), and then choose five optional modules (100 credits) that reflect your own interests.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- Upper 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
Or Lower 2:1 Honours degree with excellent work experience
International entry requirements
Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- £12,150
Full-time
- £6,075
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MSc in International Development equips you to tackle diverse career paths in international, national, and local organisations. Whether you aim for roles in international organisations, government, think tanks, NGOs, or consultancies, the course provides you with essential knowledge and transferable skills to engage with international development challenges in a manner that brings about transformative change. Guided by experts in the field, you will graduate with the ability to influence international development policies and initiatives.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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