Course summary
The world is at a turning point. In these times of uncertainty and change, the MSc in Global Development equips you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills to investigate, analyse, evaluate and respond to the major global challenges of our times. Studying on this innovative, interdisciplinary and flexible course involves critically examining development theory, policy and practice across a range of contexts. You'll have the opportunity to explore six major issues: migration, socio-economic security, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, the global politics of development, and the politics of doing development. You’ll also deepen your understanding of the issues of most interest to you by examining them through four cross-cutting challenges: conflict, governance, justice, and transformation. This will lay the foundation for undertaking your own independent research project. Supported by a dedicated supervisory team, you will examine a development topic of your choice, deepening your knowledge, enhancing your skills and finding ways to have impact in a world of change whilst helping you to achieve your own personal and professional goals. Overall, the MSc will enable you to build in-depth knowledge and understanding of key development issues, ideas and debates, as well as an advanced capacity for critical and reflexive thinking, independent study and research, and collective dialogue and action. Key features of the course
- Builds an in-depth understanding of development theory, policy and practice.
- Enhances your ability to identify and analyse different forms of evidence, enabling you to intervene critically and confidently in development debates.
- Equips you with the essential skills for a career in development and related areas.
- Provides cutting-edge course materials that draw on the internationally-recognised development teaching and research of our academics
Modules
There are two routes to this masters degree with a choice of modules at Stage 1. Route 1 begins with 'Understanding global development' which critically interrogates global approaches to contemporary development and sets these in the context of the evolution of development thinking and practice. It examines the Sustainable Development Goals and introduces a conceptual framework for understanding development issues. Route 2 begins with 'Global development in practice' (D890) presented on the award-winning Futurelearn Platform. With an emphasis on development as practice, this module helps you discover, critically analyse, evaluate, and apply the key tools and techniques needed by a development manager or practitioner. Both routes continue with 'Key challenges in global development' at Stage 2 and 'Researching global development' at Stage 3.
Entry requirements
We recommend that you hold a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working in a development-related agency (international or local), in either a paid or voluntary capacity, prior to starting this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence. Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ