MA Global Development
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Course Overview
On this MA, you’ll benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to international development, drawing from areas such as politics, economics, anthropology, philosophy, sociology, geography, and environmental science.
You’ll discover the importance of historical context when trying to make sense of current development challenges. You’ll also discover how to fully get to grips with international development issues by viewing them as a complex interrelation between society, economics, politics and the environment.
You’ll be able to tailor your studies to your interests and ambitions, choosing from a large range of modules within and beyond the School of International Development. You’ll also choose whether to write a dissertation or do a summer placement – so there are plenty of opportunities to shine.
Not only will you gain comprehensive knowledge of your subject, you’ll also build the necessary skills for a successful and effective, career in the field, and/or PhD study.
Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.
On this course, you'll cover the key issues in international development within the context of contemporary global change.
You’ll address your subject from 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 discrimination, oppression, environmental change, and much more.
You’ll address how international development has been shaped by discussions such as the state vs. market debate, by processes such as neoliberalism, globalisation and urbanisation, by intellectual frameworks such as the basic needs, human development and the capability approach, and by moral dilemmas such as cosmopolitan justice and the existence of obligations towards poor citizens in poor countries.
You’ll consider the long-term processes which have shaped and hindered progress in many regions of the world. You’ll also discover the main theoretical and pragmatic approaches to international development that have been proposed and adopted since the post-World War II period.
You’ll learn to critically analyse different development patterns and pathways, as well as exploring the causes and effects of recent trends in major development areas.
In addition, you’ll become familiar with concrete case studies of problems affecting developing areas and evaluate possible policies and strategies at both national and international levels to overcome these problems.
Most importantly, you’ll develop the ability to think critically about development issues. This will be enhanced by insider perspectives on our lecturers’ own research findings within a wide range of areas.
You will have the option of doing a work placement instead of writing a standard MA dissertation during the summer, of the duration of around 8 weeks (exact duration may vary). In this case you'll carry out a more practical activity and write a reflective report on this experience (considerably shorter than the average dissertation). You'll be supported by us in finding a placement, which can take place in a range of organisations (from large international organisations to research centres, government agencies or NGOs, to name a few).
Study and Modules
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Teaching
You'll learn through lectures and seminars. Your lectures will go beyond the customary “chalk-and-talk” approach, and will 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.
ASSESSMENT
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, exams and an optional dissertation. 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 helps you 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 via 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. This helps you identify areas for improvement, and areas of strength.
Finally, your dissertation will enable 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.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- UK 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Social Sciences
- English 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:
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IELTS: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in only two components with 6.0 in the others)
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PTE (Pearson): 64 (minimum 59 in only two components with 64 in the others)
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 University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected masters degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:
International Graduate Diploma in International Development
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
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- Intakes
- This course is open to UK, EU 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.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study one of the International Graduate Diploma programmes offered by our partner INTO UEA. These programmes guarantee progression to selected masters degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details please click here:
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2023/24 are:
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UK Students: £9,650 (full time)
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International Students: £19,800 (full time)
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 £1,023 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
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
You’ll graduate with a range of transferable skills, ready to pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond international development.
A career in international development can take you in all kinds of directions such as international organisations, governmental and non-governmental organisations, local governments and the private sector.
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.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, UNITAR in Japan, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and PhD studies in related fields.