MA Development Practice

The last thirty years have seen major changes in our understanding of social and economic change, transition and development. These complex processes are situated in a system of global interconnections and influences and require considerable attention to the specifics of local situations and circumstances. On the MA Development Practice course, you will gain critical perspectives on these changes, and learn how to effectively contribute to future developments.

Because of this tension between the global and the local, subtle understanding of the interplay of social, cultural, political and economic variables is required, involving various actors and agents including states, international organisations (UN, FAO, WHO, ILO, IFAD, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNRISD, WIDER, WFP), the multilateral and bilateral aid agencies (World Bank, DFID, SIDA), NGOs (Oxfam, Action Aid, Transparency International and others), social movements (World Economic Forum, World Summit on Social Development) and the private sector in any particular context. The course curriculum includes intensive treatment of all these issues.

Over the year, and across two central Critical Issues modules, you’ll develop a rigorous and deep critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies work, and the political contexts of development.

Practical issues are at the heart of this MA. For that reason you’ll also focus on the issues and challenges raised during project planning, management and implementation. You’ll work as part of a team with your fellow students to propose innovative solutions to classic development problems.

You will benefit from research-led teaching, ensuring you encounter the latest thinking in the field. Research in UEA’s School of International Development is focused on addressing contemporary challenges in developing and transition economies via disciplinary and multi-interdisciplinary approaches.

About

The MA Development Practice is an interdisciplinary degree focusing on the key management and strategic challenges faced in the development sector.

Recent decades have seen significant shifts in the way NGOs and other organisations in the development sector operate. On this course you will examine the causes and effects of those changes, and learn how to be a part of the change that you want to see in the world. If you are 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 solid conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in international development, together with technical skills in project design and management.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

You’ll be assessed by the course work for the core modules, and on your placement or dissertation.

If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.

Structure

You’ll discover and explore key themes and topics in development practice over three modules. You’ll then consolidate your thinking by either completing a work placement or a dissertation.

In Development Perspectives 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 then take two specialist Critical Issues in Development Practice (CIDP) modules where you’ll explore in depth how this challenging and evolving sector works.

In the autumn you’ll take CIDP 1. Here you’ll discover the key processes of development interventions, such as project cycle management. You’ll critique each stage, looking at ways to advance and improve standard approaches to project management.

In the spring you’ll take CIDP 2, going further in terms of content and complexity. It will both broaden and deepen your understanding of how practical approaches and the political economy of the sector intersect. For example, you’ll look at legal issues around development practice and humanitarian management in the context of the securitisation and politicisation of aid.

Having built a firm foundation in development practice, you’ll also be able to specialise by taking modules that reflect your sectoral interests or ambitions, choosing from a range of modules taught within UEA’s School of International Development, covering topics such as water security, gender and development, environment and climate change, among others.

You’ll then be able to choose whether to spend your summer term on the Development Work Placement, or conduct a piece in independent research with a dissertation.

On placement 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.

If you choose to complete a dissertation instead you’ll have the chance to investigate a development topic of your choosing, under the guidance of a member of faculty. This option enables you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary and secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.

In addition you can choose from a range of professional skills courses to top-up and extend your practical skills.You can also take advantage of a range of optional seminars and workshops aimed at strengthening your study skills, such as essay writing.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching

You will 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 programs). 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 the most.

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Entry Requirements

Degree classification

2.1 or equivalent

Degree subject

Any good first degree

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.

Students for whom english is a foreign language

We welcome applications from students whose first language is not English. To ensure such students benefit from postgraduate study, we require evidence of proficiency in English. Our usual entry requirements are as follows:

IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in all components)
PTE (Pearson): 58 (minimum 42 in all components)

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

Other tests, including Cambridge English exams and the Trinity Integrated Skills in English are also accepted by the university. The full list of accepted tests can be found here: Accepted English Language Tests

INTO UEA also run pre-sessional courses which can be taken prior to the start of your course. For further information and to see if you qualify please contact intopre-sessional@uea.ac.uk

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Pre-sessional courses online from June to September 2020. Further details can be found on our Online Pre-Sessional English webpage.