MA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Program Overview

The MA International Development is a 1-year, full-time program designed to equip graduates for careers in development and humanitarian fields. It explores contemporary theories of social change and development, analyzes development policies and practices, and builds critical reflection, research, leadership, and group work skills. Graduates are well-positioned for field-based positions in development work, supporting roles in head offices, development education roles within Ireland, and entry-level positions for new graduates.

Program Outline

MA International Development

Degree Overview:

The MA International Development is a full-time, 1-year program designed to equip graduates for work in community development, local government, youth/adult education, or NGO settings.

Objectives:

• Explore contemporary theories of social change and development.
• Analyze development policies and practices.
• Build critical reflection, research, leadership, and group work skills.
• Equip individuals for planning, management, and evaluation of development projects.

Target Audience:

• Advanced-level participants with primary degrees or equivalent qualifications.
• Professionals with experience in development contexts (Global North or South).
• Leaders, facilitators, and managers of community development projects.
• Government and development agency staff.
• Individuals involved in pastoral ministry, research, development education, volunteer work, and activism.
• Academics in the Global South engaged in teaching and research in development.
• Recent graduates seeking further study before a career in development work.

Specialization:

• Learners can specialize by choosing from elective areas aligned with their interests.

Learning Approach:

• Learner-centered, participative approach to learning.
• Diverse groups of full and part-time learners create a unique learning environment.
• Builds on participants' experiences and facilitators' knowledge.

Outline:

Credits:

90 ECTS

Structure:

• Compulsory Modules (35 ECTS):
• Contemporary Global Issues, Challenges and Responses (or Introduction to Development Theory and Practice)
• Critical Learning and Participatory Development Practice
• Gender, Identity and Inclusion
• Research Methods
• Elective Modules (25 ECTS):
• Conflict, Development and Security
• Political Economy of Environment and Development
• Managing Development Organisations
• Results-Based Management
• Anthropology and Development
• Global Food Systems
• Development Work Placement (optional)
• Research Thesis (30 ECTS):
• Completed and submitted in September

Delivery Options:

• Full-time learners:
• Taught modules delivered in a classroom setting (on-campus) or online.
• On-campus delivery: 25 hours of class contact per 10-credit module.
• Flexible approach: 2.5-hour classes over 8-10 weeks or concentrated one-week blocks.
• Online learning: Self-paced study over a semester.

Duration:

• 1 year full-time

Careers:

• Graduates are well-positioned for careers in development and humanitarian fields, both in Ireland and overseas.
• Opportunities include:
• Field-based positions in development work
• Supporting roles in head offices
• Development education roles within Ireland
• Upskilling for current development professionals