MSc Global Development Management
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Course Overview
The MSc Global Development Management offers you the chance to learn the key skills and to develop an informed and critical stance on the challenges facing the development sector.
Over the year, and across three core modules, you’ll develop a rigorous and deep critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies work, and the political contexts of development.
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 will gain a strong conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in international development, together with technical skills in project design and management.
Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.
Practical issues are at the heart of this MSc. You will consistently benefit from research-led teaching, ensuring you encounter the latest thinking in the field. Research in UEA’s School of International Development (Global Development from 1 August 2023) is focused on addressing contemporary challenges in developing and transitioning economies via disciplinary and multi-interdisciplinary approaches. Within the programme you will be supported to develop complementary specialist areas of interests, and choose module options from a range of disciplines including economics, agricultural policy, environmental justice, climate change, gender and education.
A Development Work Placement is a strongly recommended option in the summer semester, and an alternative to a dissertation. 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.
Study and Modules
Structure
This course offers you a critical introduction to, and perspectives on, development interventions and development projects in particular. Our aim is to equip you with key development tools and techniques that are required in a professional setting. You will be provided with both a practical grounding in tools and techniques for project design and management, but also a critical awareness of the tools' limitations.
You will explore the ways development is changing, at the cutting edge of rapidly shifting geopolitical, social and economic realities. New actors are entering the fieldwork and disrupting the traditional ways aid has been seen and done. New funding models are emerging, 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.
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 will critically assess the various ways in which development has been conceptualised, from the end of the Second World War to the present day. You will 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.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 20)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
You’ll 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 programmes). 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 most.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed by an exam in your summer term, and on your placement or dissertation.
Feedback:
Feedback is provided through module formative and summative assessments, and through supervision meetings with the course convener.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- UK 2.1 or equivalent
- Degree Subject
- Any good first degree
- 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
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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:
International Graduate Diploma in International Development
INTO University of East Anglia
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
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional 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
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be equipped with a range of transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond international development.
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.
Recent graduates are now working in monitoring and evaluation roles in UK based NGOs, at the Aga Khan University, at the CDC Investment Networks, and the ILO.