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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Global Development Management with a Placement Year
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Course options
Other Start Dates
Gain a competitive edge with a placement year
This course is also available with an integrated placement year, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable UK industry experience alongside your master's degree
Other Start Dates
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why MSc Global Development Management with a Placement Year at UEA?
Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to be part of global, national and local co-operation and solidarity for development. Be part of the UK's number one ranked department for development research.
Why choose UEA
- Learn from the best: Gain practical skills and critical perspectives from world‑leading researchers within a vibrant, interdisciplinary learning community
- Be part of a global community: Join a unique global community and build lifelong connections through our extensive international links and networks
- Develop skills to make a difference: Build practical skills and critical thinking approaches that will prepare you to work across a wide range of areas
What is MSc Global Development Management with a Placement Year?
Global Development Management focuses on designing and delivering development interventions that make meaningful, positive change. Designed for aspiring professionals and changemakers, this programme empowers you to think strategically, act ethically, and lead with confidence.
Practical issues are at the heart of this full-time course. You’ll learn the language and tools of project management while learning to apply them critically, with awareness of history, power, and inequality.
You'll gain a strong conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in global development. You’ll also develop a rigorous critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies operate, along with a deep understanding of the political contexts of development.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Our Research - 1st in the UK for Development Studies
The School of Global Development is globally recognized for research excellence and ranked first in development studies (Times Higher REF An...
Placement Year
The placement year is a compulsory part of our Master's courses with a placement route and takes place during your second year. Before starting your placement, you'll continue to build your professional skills through a structured employability programme, with dedicated support to help you prepare for and secure a placement.
Most students complete an eight to ten-month paid placement with a UK employer, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a professional setting, develop industry experience and build valuable connections. We work with an award-winning specialist placement partner who provides tailored careers support, helping you strengthen your applications, prepare for interviews and maximise your chances of securing a role.
While we'll support you throughout the process, securing a suitable placement is your responsibility. Making the most of the careers guidance, employer opportunities and employability activities available to you will give you the strongest chance of success.
If you don't secure a placement, or you don't meet the academic requirements to progress to the placement year, you'll still gain practical professional experience. Through one of UEA's placement partners, you'll complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations, allowing you to develop real-world experience across a range of organisations. These projects are available in different formats to suit a variety of working preferences.
Whichever route you take, you'll graduate with practical, career-focused experience that enhances your CV and helps you stand out to future employers.
Find out more about the Placement Year.
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc in Global Development Management with a Placement Year, you can work in:
- International organisations and UN agencies, including UNICEF, the UNDP, UNHCR, and the UN Institute for Training and Research
- Governmental and non-governmental organisations including the British High Commission in Ghana, British Civil Service, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and national governments
- Development banks and financial institutions including the World Bank
- NGOs, charities and social enterprises including CARE International, European Union, Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International
- Private sector, consultancy organisations and think tanks
- Humanitarian aid and disaster relief organisations including the Red Cross, MSF and more
Career Support
Research and collaboration with sectoral partners inform the teaching throughout your degree. We’ll support your personal development and give you the confidence to reach your career goals. Strong links with organisations around the world mean they understand the quality and potential that UEA students bring to their organisations.
The School of Global Development also offers a dedicated extracurricular professional skills programme, designed to enhance your employability after graduation. Responsive to the ever-changing demands of the development sector, the programme evolves continuously to ensure you graduate with the most relevant and sought-after skills.
UEA's Career Central will support your job search and career skills during your course and after graduation.
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, 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 an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Study and Modules
Structure
The MSc in Global Development Management with a Placement Year 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 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 alliances are forming, for example, in the global south, as new actors are entering the field and disrupting traditional approaches to aid. Newer funding models, 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, attest to the dynamic nature of the sector.
You'll also be encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and reflect on the geopolitics of the sector as it confronts the challenges of decolonising attitudes and practices. 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.
From the start of your course, you'll take part in a year-long Employability Skills module designed to prepare you for your placement year and future career. Through a combination of online and on-campus sessions, you'll develop the practical skills employers value, including CV writing, interview techniques, networking and building a professional LinkedIn profile.
You'll also receive personalised guidance through one-to-one careers appointments, helping you develop a tailored placement search strategy, refine applications and practise interview skills. This module is assessed on a pass/fail basis. To progress to the placement year, you'll need to attend at least 75% of the scheduled sessions.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 40)Important Information
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.
Structure
Your placement module takes place during your second year and is worth 60 credits. In the first semester, you'll focus on securing a placement, supported by specialist careers guidance, one-to-one advice and a series of workshops that help you plan and manage an effective job search.
If you don't secure a placement, you'll complete three structured industry projects with different UK organisations instead. These projects provide valuable professional experience and enable you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Assessment is based on a portfolio completed throughout the module, including evidence of your placement search activities and a reflective report on your placement or industry projects. You'll evaluate the skills you've developed, reflect on your professional growth and identify your future career goals. The module is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
By the time you graduate, you'll have gained practical experience, strengthened your CV, expanded your professional network and developed the confidence and skills to take the next step in your career, whether in the UK or internationally.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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.
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Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through a mixture of lectures, workshops and seminars. Your lectures will go beyond the customary “chalk-and-talk” approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities, such as quizzes and a chance to discuss the topic within the lecture setting. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in global development (e.g. through statistical programmes), and videos. Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
In our seminars, you’ll have the chance to enhance key transferable skills through group work and presentations, including the ability to clearly articulate arguments both orally and in writing. You’ll also gain the expertise to present academic information in a compelling and concise manner, making complex ideas easily understandable.
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
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, exams, and an optional dissertation. Further assessment methods will also differ depending on the optional modules you choose. A key part is developing your own professional-standard project proposal using industry standards within a teamwork context.
You’ll also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which will help 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.
Finally, the dissertation 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.
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 January 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 January 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component).
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, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- UEA International Study Centre
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 UEA International Study Centre. 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
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UK Students: £11,400
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International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
If you choose to take this course with a placement year, your tuition fees for the first year will be as shown above. An additional fee of £3,500 will apply for the placement year (see our FAQs page for further details).
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.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of 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(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.