MSc Global Development Management
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
If you’re seeking to start or advance a career in development and humanitarian management, this Master’s course will enable you to acquire the skills necessary to develop an informed and critical stance on the challenges facing the development sector.
Practical issues are at the heart of this one-year full-time MSc programme. You’ll develop a rigorous and deep critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies operate, along with an understanding of the political contexts of development. You'll develop a strong conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in international development. You’ll also gain technical skills in project design and project management.
Research in UEA’s renowned School of Global Development focuses on addressing contemporary challenges in developing and transitioning economies via disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approaches. You’ll consistently benefit from our excellent research-led teaching, ensuring you’ll encounter the latest thinking in the field.
Within the programme, you’ll be supported in developing complementary specialist areas of interest and you’ll have the flexibility to choose modules from a range of disciplines, including economics, agricultural policy, media, environmental justice, climate change, gender, and education.
A Development Work Placement is a strongly recommended option in the summer semester, as an alternative to a dissertation. You’ll be able to work with a relevant organisation, writing an extended analytical report on your experience. The placement will allow you to reflect on and apply the ideas and concepts you’ll have learned throughout your studies. You’ll be able to look at humanitarian issues, the results agenda, project management systems, and other key topics within your chosen organisation.
Study and Modules
Structure
This MSc Global Development Management course offers you a critical introduction to, and perspectives on, development interventions and projects. Our aim is to equip you with the essential development tools and techniques required in a professional setting. You'll receive a practical grounding in project design and project management tools and techniques, as well as a critical awareness of their limitations. This balanced approach ensures that you’re not only proficient in applying these tools but also understand the complexities and constraints involved in their use.
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 field and disrupting traditional approaches to aid, 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’ll 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: 40)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 develop essential transferable skills such as articulating an argument orally and in writing, and how to present academic information lucidly and cogently.
Independent study
You’ll read suggested academic articles and books, submitting assignments for each module. Your independent study will give you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments, concentrating 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
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any Subject
- Additional Entry 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.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any Subject
- Additional Entry 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.
- 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):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (with minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking and 5.5 in Listening & Reading)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not 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 required English skills.
-
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
-
UK Students: £10,850
-
International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 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
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
Previous graduates from the School of Global Development have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, British Civil Service, CARE International, European Union, Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International, UNITAR in Japan, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF and WaterAid.
Upon completing your MA, you can pursue a variety of potential careers both in and beyond global development.
Depending on your degree outcome, you'll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to developing an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- International organisations and UN agencies,
- Governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local government
- Charities
- Private sector
Discover more on our Careers webpages.