Program Overview

MA International Development

The MA International Development is a postgraduate course that explores the most pressing issues in international development from a range of social scientific standpoints. The course is taught by experts in the field and is based in the Department of Economics, with contributions from the Department of Government, Department of Sociology and Criminology, and Essex Business School.

Overview

• Course: International Development
• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration: 1 year (full-time)
• Location: Colchester Campus

Course Structure

The course structure is flexible, with a mixture of core/compulsory modules and optional modules chosen from lists. The research-led teaching is continually evolving to address the latest challenges and breakthroughs in the field.

Components and Modules

• Dissertation (40 credits): Undertake a research project of your choosing, studying a specific economic issue or set of problems in depth, with supervision from world-leading academic staff.
• Introductory Microeconomics (20 credits): Microeconomics studies the economic behaviour of individual economic decision makers.
• EC452-7-AU or EC383-7-AU or EC932-7-SP (20 credits)
• GV907-7-AU & GV947-7-SP or GV900-7-AU & GV950-7-SP or GV902-7-AU & option from list (30 credits)
• Economic Development Theory (20 credits): Understand the issues facing developing countries, examining policies theoretically and empirically.
• Option(s) from list (20 credits)

Teaching

• Postgraduate students in the Department of Economics typically attend a two-hour lecture and a one-hour class or lab for each module per week.
• Core components can be combined with optional modules to enable you to gain either in-depth specialisation or a breadth of understanding across several topics.
• Our postgraduates are encouraged to attend conferences and seminars.

Assessment

• Each module is assessed with a final examination and a coursework component.
• Coursework is taken in the form of a term paper or a midterm test.
• Dissertation: You undertake an individually supervised research project that involves the in-depth study of a specific problem or issue.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

• A 2:2 degree in any discipline, with at least one module in subjects such as Accounting, Economics, Business, Finance, Management, Maths, or Statistics.
• Alternatively, applicants with any other 2:2 degree or above and one year's relevant work experience after graduating may be considered.

International & EU Entry Requirements

• The University accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum score of 5.5 in all components.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK fee: ｣15,750
• International fee: ｣24,675
• Scholarships and financial support may be available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

• Open Days: Attend an Open Day to find out more about studying at Essex.
• Applying: You can apply for this postgraduate course online.
• Visit Colchester Campus: Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland, the Colchester Campus is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport.