Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021On this vibrant two-year part-time course, you'll delve into global development, and explore contemporary changes affecting the globe, from various social, economic, historical, political and environmental standpoints.
You'll learn to ask and propose answers to questions about the origins and persistence of poverty, inequality, illiteracy, gender and racial discrimination, oppression, environmental change, and unequal economic growth. You’ll address how global development has been shaped by discussions such as the state vs. market debate, and by processes such as neoliberalism, globalisation and urbanisation. You’ll also explore the impact of intellectual frameworks such as the basic needs, human development and the capability approaches, and you’ll study moral dilemmas such as cosmopolitan and intertemporal justice.
As part of this varied Master’s programme, you’ll consider the long-term processes which have affected progress across the world. You’ll explore the main theoretical and pragmatic approaches that have shaped international development since World War II. You’ll learn to critically analyse development patterns and discover recent trends in major development areas. You’ll become familiar with concrete case studies and evaluate possible policies and strategies at both national and international levels to address real-world situations. Most importantly, you’ll develop the ability to think critically about development issues.
Here at UEA, you’ll be taught by world-class academics and your studies will be enhanced by their cutting-edge research perspectives.
On this programme, you’ll also have the option of doing a work placement instead of a standard dissertation during the summer, lasting around eight weeks. In this practical activity, you'll write a reflective report on your experience. We’ll support you to find an appropriate placement which could be in a variety of organisations ranging from large international bodies to research centres, government agencies, or NGOs.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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 continuing to an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
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Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreUK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Social Science
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Social Science
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.
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(opens in a new window) 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.
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(opens in a new window)
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
UK Students: £10,850
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(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.
Global Development (Part Time) starting September 2025 for 2 years