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International Development and Social Justice at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

This course in international development and social justice is unique in its exploration of the structures, theories and histories that shape international development. Why choose this course?

  • It offers you a transformative approach to learning about international development, the unequal global relationships that underpin it, and the social and political movements that challenge and redefine development in an era of rising inequalities and climate crisis.
  • You will be taught by academics who draw on their cutting-edge research to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the course’s themes.
  • It is ideal if you are planning a career in international development, or working with international organisations, NGOs or social movements.
  • You will have the opportunity to take part in a unique field trip to Dakar, Senegal.
What you will learn This course introduces you to key approaches to international development and social justice and equips you with the specific skills required to conduct development research. It offers you an understanding of themes such as: childhood and international development; cities in the Global South; climate justice; development as colonialism; diasporas; gender, sexualities and development; global health; the political economy of aid; racism and international development, and social movements and revolutions. You will choose from option modules, which allow you to develop specific expertise in some of these areas. You will also have the opportunity to complete extended research on a topic of your choice, supported by a dissertation supervisor with expertise in the field, helping you to develop your research skills. How you will learn This course is primarily taught through a combination of lectures, which are also recorded, and seminars involving small group discussions and other collaborative activities. Outside of class, you will engage with online readings and multi-media content. For your dissertation, you will receive one-to-one supervision. This course is available to study full- or part-time, with classes taking place in the evening. We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. Highlights
  • Located in the School of Social Sciences, we offer a range of modules that reflect the disciplinary breadth of international development, while also allowing you to engage with disciplines such as sociology, politics, international relations, geography and criminology.
  • We have a vibrant research culture, powered by a shared passion for learning and intellectual engagement among our academics and students. We have a strong commitment to social justice, which informs and shapes much of our research.
  • Situated in the heart of central London, studying at Birkbeck gives you access to a wide variety of public events, libraries, archives, and exhibitions which are relevant to international development and social justice.
  • If you are taking this course part time, you may be eligible for a Bonnart Trust Master’s Studentship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
Careers and employability On successfully graduating from this course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including in:
  • research
  • team-working
  • written and oral communication
  • qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Graduates can pursue career paths in development agencies and other international organisations, policy research, journalism, social movements or the non-governmental sector. Possible professions include:
  • policy researcher
  • journalist
  • development practitioner
  • communications officer.
Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to be employed at the following organisations:
  • UNICEF
  • UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
  • Oxfam
  • Water Aid.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Coursework, including essays, critical surveys of relevant literature and a reflective journal.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in social sciences or humanities. Other applicants will also be considered. Previous experience or study of development issues may be an advantage. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £3690 Year 1
Northern Ireland £3690 Year 1
Scotland £3690 Year 1
Wales £3690 Year 1
International £6780 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
International Development and Social Justice at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS