MA Africa and Development
Birmingham, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 10,530 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for UK students | 7 May 2024 for international students
** for UK full-time Students. £24,120 for International full-time students
Introduction
This program combines development studies with an interdisciplinary focus on Africa. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue careers in international development, as well as students planning to pursue doctoral research on aspects of development in Africa.
Africa is one of the most important sites of international development interventions, and historically one of the sites where much of the academic discipline of development studies was forged.
This program draws on the expertise of the University's Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) and International Development Department (IDD) to provide an in-depth exploration of the relationship between development studies and Africa.
It provides an advanced understanding of the African cultural, political, and historical circumstances which have been formative in the constitution of development studies as a field, and which have shaped the impact of development interventions in the continent.
This program offers an excellent opportunity for students who want to both master the tools of development thinking and understand how best to apply them while also developing a nuanced and informed understanding of the complex and dynamic realities of Africa and its Diasporas.
It offers an impressive range of disciplinary specializations and a diversity of modules, as well as a variety of academic-related activities designed to enhance the student learning experience.
Why Study this Course?
- The breadth of the program you have access to an extensive range of topics within African studies and international development, allowing you to explore a variety of topics and tailor the program to your specific areas of interest
- Research strength– The Department of African Studies and Anthropology is ranked second among all Area Studies departments in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise, according to Times Higher Education
- Taught by experts– the course is taught by specialists with extensive experience in their fields
- Friendly and relaxed atmosphere– you will be part of a friendly community in which all staff are accessible to students to provide additional help on their work
- Lots of opportunities to get involved the Department of African Studies and Anthropology offers a range of opportunities to interact with other staff and students, including research meetings, DASA seminars, and occasional round-table inter-disciplinary research conferences.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. To discover whether you are eligible for any award across the University, and to start your funding application, please visit the University's Postgraduate Funding Database.
International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships, or their home government.
Postgraduate Loans
Government-backed master loans are available to help UK and EU students to finance their studies. For those starting courses after 1 August 2020, loans are available of up to £11,836 for Masters students in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment, and application information are available on the UK government website.
Curriculum
You will study two core modules: International Development (IDD) and Livelihoods and Development in Africa(DASA).
You will also choose four optional modules from a wide range within the Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) and the International Development Department (IDD). All DASA modules are assessed by coursework; IDD modules vary, and the mix of coursework and written examinations will depend on the options selected. Further module information is available below.
Options available in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology typically include:
- African Media and Popular Culture
- Urban Africa
- Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa
- Independent Study
- Letting Them Speak: Ethnographies of Marginalisation
- Research Skills and Methods in African Studies
Options available in the International Development Department typically include:
- Authoritarianism and Development
- Conflict and Development
- Democracy and Development
- Development Cooperation Beyond Aid
- Development in Practice
- Development Politics
- Development Projects and Programmes
- Disability and Inclusive Development
- Disaster Management
- Economics for Development Practitioners
- Environment and Sustainable Development
- Gender and Development
- Governance and Statebuilding
- Human Resource Management and Development
- Making Policy
- Non-Governmental Organisations and Development
- Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development
- Poverty, Inequality and Development
- Public Economic Management
- Public Financial Management
- Public Management and Leadership
- Public Sector Reform
- Rural Poverty and Development
- Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development
- Urban Poverty and Policy
Dissertation
In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 12,000-word dissertation.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.
The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities, especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific career events.
You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one career advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV, and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
- Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
- Attend an annual program of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
- Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.
Postgraduate Employability: African Studies
African Studies graduates develop a range of skills including oral and written communication; analysis and evaluation; problem solving; independent working; and research skills, which can be used in a variety of occupations. Our graduates pursue a variety of career paths, including lecturing and paid research.
Program delivery
As this program is delivered jointly with the International Development Department, you will also benefit from additional expertise, support, and extra-curricular events offered by the Department.
Teaching Year
We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring, and summer terms. Term dates can be found on our website.
As a full-time student, you will typically take three modules in each of the first two terms, followed by your dissertation. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules each year, followed by your dissertation.
Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework, and assignment preparation.