The International Development Department (IDD) offers the following programmes of study on-campus, with varying numbers of core and optional modules for each programme. The MSc International Development offers the most flexibility, with only one compulsory module and the others to be chosen from a wide choice of modules. IDD also offers distance learning programmes and joint degrees with the School of Education and the Department of African Studies and Anthropology.
IDD's programmes reflect changing demands for skills and knowledge in development and maintain IDD graduates’ high level of employability.
Masters Degrees
Masters in Public Administration
Other related degrees
Individual fieldwork
The MSc degrees on campus offer the opportunity for 3-6 weeks of individual fieldwork in preparation for the dissertation. Many students arrange to be based with an NGO or other development organisation.
- Choose where you want to go and what to study (in discussion with supervisor and subject to a research ethics review)
- Gain practical experience in a specific area of interest
- Build links with potential employers
- Use a contribution from your programme fees towards the cost of fieldwork
Each student is supported individually in preparing for fieldwork by a dissertation supervisor and receives training in research methods.
Examples of fieldwork research questions
- How has one song brought the public closer to the state in Sierra Leone?
- Can NGO-business networks help facilitate corporate social responsibility in Thailand?
- Has there been a change in the financial reporting culture of Kazakhstan?
- How sustainable is the current approach to agriculture and the distribution of food, and what are the alternatives?
These are a few of the diverse questions investigated by our Masters students through recent dissertation fieldwork.
Organised study visits
IDD's Masters in Public Administration (MPA) includes an organised overseas study visit. This is not linked to students' dissertations, but may involve research for a project report or essay. It enables students to:
- Investigate cutting-edge issues
- Learn from detailed discussions with policymakers and practitioners
- Gain practical experience to enhance career development
- Work with fellow students as well as make new contacts
The student group visits a country relevant to the course content studied, often hosted by a particular organisation. Examples of recent study visit locations include Beijing, St Petersburg, Vienna and Berlin. (Destinations vary and are selected by programme directors.)
Please note that overseas visits are not available for students on distance learning programmes with IDD.
Contact us
If you would like to apply very close to the beginning of term, please contact:
Debra Beard, PGT Programmes Administrator
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5034
Email: d.l.beard@bham.ac.uk
Email for on campus programmes:
idd.pg@contacts.bham.ac.uk
As long as there are still places on our programmes and we believe there is a good chance of your meeting admissions requirements, we will do what we can to consider and expedite your application.
On Campus - International Development Department