Course summary
Our MSc in Poverty, Inequality and Development will enable you to study development with a specific focus on poverty and inequality, which are both key aspects of the current development policy discourse. On this degree you will explore theories of development in historical context from 1945 up to the present day in a core compulsory module. The theories are then applied to contemporary development approaches and issues. Throughout, the emphasis is on you developing a critical understanding of the evolution of development theories over the last half century and its implications for present day thinking about development. The relevance of sociological categories of class, religion, ethnicity and gender in both disaggregating levels of poverty and inequality, and in understanding the processes which foster poverty and inequality in development will be explored in one of the two modules which give this programme its particular identity and focus. Issues examined include:
- definitions and indicators of poverty
- inequality and development
- causes of poverty and inequality
- poverty reduction strategies
- cross-cutting issues such as gender and conflict
- practical policy, programme and research skills
Modules
The programme has three 20 credit core modules: International Development; Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development; Poverty, Inequality and Development. Students take a further 60 taught credits which can be taken from the menu of IDD modules or elsewhere in the University, subject to the approval of the programme director and the other department/s concerned. Students also complete a 60 credit dissertation, which may be undertaken with individual fieldwork, with a contribution towards the cost of this from the tuition fee.
Assessment method
A range of assessment methods are used, with both formative and summative assessment. Assessment methods may include essays, policy briefs, various practical exercises and presentations. A dissertation of no more than 12,000 words is also required.
Entry requirements
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. Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT