MSc in International Development: Public Policy and Management

MSc International Development offers a coherent and interdisciplinary grounding in the core aspects of international development theory, policy and practice.

The course is designed for social science graduates, or for those working in a wide range of development organisations both internationally and in the Global South.

It aims to blend theory and practice and seeks to explain policy behaviour through an integrated approach, drawing on a range of disciplinary perspectives.

MSc International Development is both a course in its own right and an umbrella structure that houses a range of more specialised master's courses, each of which explores a key dimension of international development under four broad thematic headings:

• global political economy;
• governance and management;
• poverty and inequality;
• the environment.

The course is ideal if you're looking to learn more about low- and middle-income countries would like to gain the skills and capacity to think critically about development, and/or are interested in studying a truly interdisciplinary course.

Coursework and assessment

The taught elements of the course, carrying 120 credits overall, is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (e.g., project-based reports, essays), involving largely individual submissions, but also elements of group work.

You must also complete a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice approved by the Programme Directors.

You are encouraged to base your dissertation on topics of direct professional concern.

• Provide rigorous interdisciplinary training to equip you with a critical understanding of the theory and practice of international development.
• Provide you with a thorough conceptual framework and the skills necessary to analyse effectively different perspectives on international development.
• Provide critical insights into the key strategies, policies and practices currently employed to promote international development.
• Develop professionally oriented skills through optional courses in areas such as policy analysis, planning and managing development, and poverty reduction.
• Provide a wide range of options for advanced training in areas of specialist expertise relevant to international development.
• Develop advanced competencies in transferable areas, including developing reasoned arguments, gathering, organising and using evidence and information from a wide variety of sources, undertaking both team-based and independent work to deadlines, and both written and verbal forms of communication.
• Assist you in developing your specialist area of expertise within international development and applying your understanding and skills through supervised individual research culminating in a dissertation.

Teaching and research at the Global Development Institute cover a wide variety of topics and as a result, our students can be found in a range of jobs and careers.

Our teaching aims to support students from all backgrounds to acquire valuable knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve their educational and professional goals.

It includes regular contributions from researchers and practitioners with a view to equipping our students to make a positive difference in their chosen sphere.

NGOs and third sector organisations

Our teaching and research aims are suited to work in non-government and civil society organisations where you take on a range of roles from policy advisors, project managers, HR and communications staff.

Our alumni can be found at large international NGOs like Oxfam as well as in many smaller organisations.

Government and policy

Graduates can be found in national governments, multilateral organisations and policy influencing positions around the world, in organisations including DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants around the world.

Private sector

Our focus on how businesses and the private sector can play a role in development enables you to gain employment in multinational organisations, private sector firms or to start your own organisations addressing some of the biggest global challenges.

Research and teaching

Our master's courses provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for further study.

Alumni find employment in research and teaching positions at universities and research institutes around the world. Top employers include:

• African Union;
• Oxfam;
• Inter-American Development Bank;
• Care;
• Mercy Corps;
• The British Council;
• the World Bank;
• the Department for International Development;
• United Nations;
• USAID.