MSc Global Development Management
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
The MSc Global Development Management offers you the chance to learn the key skills and to develop an informed and critical stance on the challenges facing the development sector.
Over the year, and across three core modules, you’ll develop a rigorous and deep critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies work, and the political contexts of development.
If you’re seeking to start or advance a career in development and humanitarian management, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the way the sector works, from planning to critical issues affecting the sector. You’ll gain a strong conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in international development, together with technical skills in project design and management.
Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.
Practical issues are at the heart of this MSc Global Development Management course. You’ll consistently benefit from research-led teaching, ensuring you encounter the latest thinking in the field. Research in UEA’s School of Global Development is focused on addressing contemporary challenges in developing and transitioning economies via disciplinary and multi-interdisciplinary approaches. Within the programme you will be supported to develop complementary specialist areas of interests and choose module options from a range of disciplines including economics, agricultural policy, environmental justice, climate change, gender and education.
A Development Work Placement is a strongly recommended option in the summer semester, and an alternative to a dissertation. You’ll work with a relevant organisation, writing an extended analytical report on your experience. This will give you a chance to reflect on and apply the ideas and concepts you’ve learnt so far by looking at humanitarian issues, the results agenda, project management systems and key topics in your chosen placement organisation.
Study and Modules
Structure
This course offers you a critical introduction to, and perspectives on, development interventions and development projects in particular. Our aim is to equip you with key development tools and techniques that are required in a professional setting. You will be provided with both a practical grounding in tools and techniques for project design and management, but also a critical awareness of the tools' limitations.
You’ll explore the ways development is changing, at the cutting edge of rapidly shifting geopolitical, social and economic realities. New actors are entering the fieldwork and disrupting the traditional ways aid has been seen and done, as the sector also confronts the challenges of decolonising attitudes and practices. New funding models are emerging, from the power of philanthrocapitalism, to the financialisation of aid and the presence of private sector partnerships at the forefront of the Sustainable Development Goals.
You’ll explore the essential landmarks in development thinking from the post-war period up to present-day debates, exploring the range of approaches applied over the last 70 years. You’ll critically assess the various ways in which development has been conceptualised, from the end of the Second World War to the present day. You will cover topics including modernisation theory; dependency theory; the role of the state; neo-liberalism and the Washington Consensus, neo-institutionalism and the post-Washington Consensus; poverty and basic needs; human development and capabilities; equity and justice; rights and empowerment; and sustainable development.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
You’ll learn through lectures and seminars. Your lectures will go beyond the customary “chalk-and-talk” approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g. through statistical programmes). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll be able to develop essential transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting academic information in a lucid and cogent manner.
Independent study
You’ll read suggested academic articles and books, submitting assignments as specified for each module. Your independent study gives you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments, and to concentrate on the areas that interest you most.
Assessment
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through your various modules, and on your placement or dissertation.
Feedback
Feedback is provided through module formative and summative assessments, and through supervision meetings with the course convener.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
- Degree Subject
- Any Subject
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (with minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking and 5.5 in Listening & Reading)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK, and International applicants. This course's annual intake is in September of each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
Admissions Policy:
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £10,150 (full time)
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International Students: £21,200 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be equipped with a range of transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond international development.
You’ll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing to an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Recent graduates are now working in monitoring and evaluation roles in UK based NGOs, at the Aga Khan University, at the CDC Investment Networks, and the ILO.