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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 Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
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 Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development at UEA?
Gain the skills needed to influence evidence-based policymaking, leverage data analytics, and harness behavioural insights for real-world impact. This innovative programme responds to the unprecedented growth in data availability and the increasing significance of behavioural sciences.
Why Choose UEA
- Leading development studies: Graduate with a degree from the UK’s top-ranked Development Studies department (THE REF Analysis 2021)
- Critical skills: Gain unique expertise across data analytics, behavioural insights, and evidence-based policymaking, tailored specifically for global development
- Meaningful impact: Develop the analytical and behavioural skills to drive meaningful policy change in an increasingly data-driven world
What is MSc Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development?
You’ll be inspired by the growing global impact of behavioural insights across various policy areas, including health, education, the environment, finance, labour, agriculture, gender, and public services. This programme offers a comprehensive approach to data analytics and policymaking, tailored specifically for Global Development.
Here at UEA, you’ll join a distinguished multi-disciplinary faculty, renowned for their expertise in applied quantitative analysis, behavioural development economics, and impact evaluation. This programme is aligned with UEA’s outstanding reputation in global development and policy analysis, demonstrated by its second-place ranking in the most recent UK research assessment (REF 2021).
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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...
Careers
Career Pathways
With an MSc Policy, Behaviour and Data for Global Development degree, you could launch a career in:
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Policy maker at local or national governments
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International organisations or development banks
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Non-governmental organisations or charities
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Consultancy companies
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National or international research institutes
Career Support
Our course offers exceptional careers support, including events tailored to the School of Global Development, guidance on volunteering and internships to strengthen your CV. The School of Global Development also offers a dedicated extracurricular professional skills programme, designed to enhance your employability on 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.
You can also use the professional support offered by UEA’s Career Central.(opens in a new window)
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be well equipped with a range of invaluable transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond global development.
Previous graduates have gone on to work at development banks, international charities, national governments, international organisations, international research organisations, and consultancy companies.
You’ll also be 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 curriculum is designed to meet the growing industry demand for expertise in behavioural science and data analytics. You’ll engage in discussions and design policies for global development using advanced quantitative methods, building a solid foundation in behavioural analysis, to inform policy formulation. The programme covers the conceptual foundations of behavioural science and applies them to key policy areas such as education, health, finance, agriculture, technology adoption, gender, and government decision-making, using contemporary examples and evidence. You’ll also learn advanced data analysis techniques, including econometrics and machine learning, with practical seminars and workshops using STATA software to enhance your skills in empirical research and data interpretation.
You’ll have the flexibility to tailor the course to your interests and career aspirations by selecting module options from both our school and other UEA departments. For your final project, you can choose to develop your research skills through a dissertation in an area of your choice or opt for a work placement to apply your skills in a real-world environment. Upon graduation, you’ll be well equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Credits: 60)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
The course is designed around the following learning outcomes:
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Comprehensive learning: You’ll develop a profound knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts in behavioural science, methods, and data analysis for policy formulation.
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Expert data analytics: You’ll acquire advanced approaches, skills, and capacities for data analytics, ensuring proficiency in the interpretation of evidence.
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Policy analysis proficiency: You’ll cultivate skills for policy analysis and advice across a diverse array of global development sectors, including health, education, labour, poverty alleviation, agriculture, financial decision making, climate mitigation and adaptation, and sustainable development.
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Interdisciplinary application: You’ll learn to foster an interdisciplinary mindset, enabling you to apply acquired knowledge and skills seamlessly across various fields within global development after graduation.
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Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: You’ll develop critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in global development.
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Effective Communication: You’ll develop effective communication skills for conveying complex behavioural analyses, data interpretations, and policy recommendations to diverse stakeholders.
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Ethical Considerations: You’ll develop a strong awareness of ethical considerations in data analytics, behavioural science, and policy development within the context of global development.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through a range of methods, including presentations, essays, and either a dissertation or a work placement. The specific assessment formats will vary depending on the optional modules you choose.
Throughout your studies, you’ll receive oral feedback during seminars to help you strengthen your ability to articulate arguments clearly and confidently. You’ll also be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines ahead of deadlines and to discuss them with lecturers during office hours or by email.
In most cases, you’ll receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial piece of coursework well before your main assignment is due, giving you the opportunity to refine your work and improve your performance well in advance of the deadline.
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 September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- 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 September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- 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 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £11,950
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International Students: £25,000
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(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
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.