Course summary

Our MSc in International Development allows you to explore 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. You will explore theories of development in historical context from 1945 up to the present day in a single 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. You can then select the remaining five modules to suit your own needs and interests. You could, for example, take modules in rural and urban poverty reduction, on conflict and development or gender and development. You could also take modules on project management, disaster management or governance. Many other modules are also available to choose from. The programme is taught by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists who work closely with you to address individual interests and concerns. Every student is allocated an academic tutor to support you in your academic progress throughout the year. The department has a long history of teaching students from across the world, and recent students have come from a variety of countries with differing professional and academic backgrounds. why study this programme? The International Development programme is useful if you have not yet decided what specialist path to follow within the field. It will also give you the maximum possible flexibility in tailoring the programme to your own particular interests, by allowing you to choose five of the six courses that form part of the taught part of the programme. The programme does not assume any prior knowledge of international development and we welcome applications from candidates who meet the admissions criteria.