MSc Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Course Overview
Unlock your potential with our cutting-edge MSc Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development and gain the skills needed to influence evidence-based policymaking, leverage data analytics, and harness behavioural insights for real-world impact. Designed to address today’s evolving landscape, this innovative course responds to the unprecedented growth in data availability and the increasing significance of behavioural sciences.
You’ll be inspired by the growing global impact of behavioural insights across various policy areas, including health, education, the environment, finance, labour, agriculture, gender, and public services. This programme offers a comprehensive approach to data analytics and policymaking, tailored specifically for Global Development.
Here at UEA, you’ll join a distinguished multi-disciplinary faculty, renowned for their expertise in applied quantitative analysis, behavioural development economics, and impact evaluation. This programme is aligned with the School’s outstanding reputation in global development and policy analysis, demonstrated by its first-place ranking in the most recent UK research assessment (REF 2021).
Study and Modules
Structure
The curriculum is designed to meet the growing industry demand for expertise in behavioural science and data analytics. You’ll engage in discussions and design policies for global development using advanced quantitative methods, building a solid foundation in behavioural analysis, to inform policy formulation. The programme covers the conceptual foundations of behavioural science and applies them to key policy areas such as education, health, finance, agriculture, technology adoption, gender, and government decision-making, using contemporary examples and evidence. You’ll also learn advanced data analysis techniques, including econometrics and machine learning, with practical seminars and workshops using STATA software to enhance your skills in empirical research and data interpretation.
You’ll have the flexibility to tailor the course to your interests by selecting module options from both our School and other UEA departments. For your final project, you can choose to develop your research skills through a dissertation in an area of your choice, or opt for a work placement to apply your learned skills in a real-world environment. Upon graduation, you’ll be well equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 60)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
The course is designed around the following learning outcomes:
- Comprehensive Understanding: You’ll develop a profound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in behavioural science, methods, and data analysis for policy formulation.
- Expert Data Analytics: You’ll acquire advanced approaches, skills, and capacities for data analytics, ensuring proficiency in the interpretation of evidence.
- Policy Analysis Proficiency: You’ll cultivate skills for policy analysis and advice across a diverse array of global development sectors, including health, education, labour, poverty alleviation, agriculture, financial decision making, climate mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.
- Interdisciplinary Application: You’ll learn to foster an interdisciplinary mindset, enabling you to apply acquired knowledge and skills seamlessly across various fields within global development after graduation.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: You’ll develop critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in global development.
- Effective Communication: You’ll develop effective communication skills for conveying complex behavioural analyses, data interpretations, and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
- Ethical Considerations: You’ll develop a strong awareness of ethical considerations in data analytics, behavioural science, and policy development within the context of global development.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays and a dissertation or work placement. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which will help you to develop skills in articulating an argument orally.
You’ll be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of essay deadlines, and to discuss these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours or by email. In addition, you’ll typically receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial coursework assignment well in advance of your deadline for the main coursework assignment.
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
Social Sciences preferred. Applicants should have studied Economics with a commensurate level of mathematical and statistical training, or to have reached an equivalent level of skills and understanding through professional experience.
- 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
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- 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 (minimum 6.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 5.5 in Reading and Listening)
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.
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- 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:
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UK Students: £10,850
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International Students: £22,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
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 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
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be equipped with a range of invaluable transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond global development.
Previous graduates have gone on to work at development banks, international charities, national governments, international organisations, international research organisations, and consultancy companies.
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
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Policy maker at local or national governments
- International organisations or development banks
- Non-governmental organisations or charities
- Consultancy companies
- National or international research institutes
Discover more on our Careers web pages.