Course summary
MSc Global Development is a dynamic and interdisciplinary course that offers a deep, critical understanding of the complex forces shaping development in our rapidly changing world. Designed for those who want to explore the politics, policies and practices of development from a truly global perspective, this course equips you with the analytical tools and practical skills to tackle some of the most urgent challenges of our time; from poverty and inequality to climate change, governance, and global economic shifts. At its core, the course blends cutting-edge theory with hands-on insight. You’ll learn how development policy is made and implemented, and more importantly, how to interrogate its outcomes. What makes this course especially distinctive is its integrated approach - drawing on political economy, sociology, economics, environmental studies, and public policy to explore the causes and consequences of development interventions across diverse contexts. Whether you're a recent social science graduate or an experienced practitioner in a development organisation, NGO, government agency or private sector, this MSc provides a stimulating environment in which to sharpen your thinking, expand your horizons, and develop the intellectual agility needed to work across disciplines and sectors. MSc Global Development is also uniquely structured as both a standalone course and an umbrella for a range of specialist master's pathways, each addressing a critical dimension of development. You’ll have the opportunity to explore your interests in areas such as:
- Global Political Economy - understanding the systems of trade, finance, and power that shape development outcomes.
- Governance and Management - examining how institutions operate, make decisions, and affect change.
- Poverty and Inequality - exploring the structural and systemic drivers of marginalisation and exclusion.
- Environment - analysing the interplay between development and ecological sustainability in an age of climate crisis.
Entry requirements
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language requirements
For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements . This programme accepts successful completion of the 6-weeks pre-sessional English language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course. Pre-sessional 6-week course requirement: IELTS UKVI or Academic 6.5 Overall with 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.0 in Listening and Reading OR IELTS UKVI or Academic 7.0 Overall with 6.5 in Writing or Speaking and no other sub-skill below 6.0 TOEFL iBT 90 Overall with 22 in Writing and Speaking, and 20 in Listening and Reading OR TOEFL iBT 100 Overall with 22 in Writing or Speaking and no other sub-skill below 20 Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 70 Overall with 70 in Writing and Speaking, and 65 in Listening and Reading OR Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 76 Overall with 70 in Writing or Speaking and no other sub-skill below 65
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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL