Program Overview

---

Master of International Development – MIntDev

The Master of International Development is a postgraduate qualification that equips students with the knowledge and skills to address global development problems. This qualification is enriched by the diversity of its students, who come from a wide range of academic, cultural, and professional backgrounds.

Overview

• The Master of International Development is a parts-based qualification, requiring students to complete the first part before progressing to the second.
• The qualification can be completed in 1 year 6 months full-time (180 credits) or part-time.
• It is available for study via distance and online or on the Manawatū campus (Palmerston North).
• International students are welcome to apply for on-campus study in New Zealand.

Type of Qualification

• Master's degree
• Postgraduate study
• NZQF level 9

Study a Master of International Development – MIntDev

In this master's program, students learn how global economic, social, political, and environmental forces affect people and shape different parts of the world. This understanding enables them to recognize inequalities and identify strategies to overcome poverty and enhance human wellbeing.

Upon graduation, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills applicable in developing policy and strategies, and in managing and evaluating international development programs.
• Critically evaluate contemporary international development theories, policies, and approaches.
• Conduct independent research and analysis of international development issues.
• Demonstrate mastery of social science research approaches and techniques.
• Interpret research findings and draw out relevant implications for development theory, policy, and practice.

Learn from Experts in the Field

Massey University has a long-standing reputation in Development Studies, having first offered courses in this field in 1989. The professors and lecturers are scholars and active researchers with experience in development policy and practice in diverse contexts.

A MIntDev is a Good Fit if You:

• Want advanced knowledge and skills in international development.
• Value cultural awareness, sensitivity, and empathy.
• Take ideas about ethics, engagement, and citizenship seriously.

Entry Requirements

• Admission to Massey University requires meeting the university's entrance requirements.
• Specific requirements for the Master of International Development include:
  • A Bachelor of Arts with a major in Development Studies, or equivalent, with a minimum B average across the 200 and 300 level major courses.
  • A bachelor’s degree with a B average across the relevant 200 and 300 level courses and relevant field or industry experience.
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in International Development, or equivalent, with a B average.
• Field experience includes voluntary work, other relevant work, or specific development experience.
• English language requirements must be met as per Massey University's standards.

Structure of the Master of International Development

The Master of International Development is a parts-based qualification. Students must complete the first part before moving to the second. The qualification can be completed in one of two ways:

Coursework Pathway (180 credits)

• 120 credits coursework and a 60 credit research report.
• Progression to Part Two requires a minimum B average in Part One.

Research Pathway (240 credits)

• 120 credits coursework and a 120 credit thesis.
• Progression to Part Two requires a minimum B+ average in Part One.

Courses and Specialisations

• Each qualification has its own set of courses.
• Courses are numbered using 6 digits, with the fourth number indicating the level of the course.
• Credits are assigned to each course, and students combine courses to meet the total number of credits needed for their qualification.

Credit Summary

• 180-240 credits
• Coursework Pathway: Part One compulsory courses (90 credits), Part One courses selected from the Schedule (30 credits), and Part Two research report (60 credits).
• Research Pathway: Part One compulsory courses (90 credits), Part One courses selected from the Schedule (30 credits), and Part Two thesis (120 credits).

Part One (Choose 120 credits from)

Compulsory Courses (Choose 90 credits from)

• Rethinking Development (30 credits)
• Development Management (30 credits)
• Development Research Design (30 credits)

Subject Courses (Choose 30 credits from)

• Gender and Development (30 credits)
• Sustainable Development (30 credits)
• Globalisation and Development (30 credits)
• Development Practicum (30 credits)

Part Two: Coursework Pathway (Choose 60 credits from)

• Research Report International Development (60 credits)

Part Two: Research Pathway (Choose 120 credits from)

• Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 (60 credits)
• Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 (60 credits)

Fees and Scholarships

• 2026 tuition fees: Domestic students ($10,652), International students ($38,840)
• Student loans and Fees Free scheme are available for eligible domestic students.
• Scholarship and award opportunities include the Asia New Zealand Foundation Postgraduate Research Grants, Cat Pausé Postgraduate Scholarship, and Massey University Postgraduate Overseas Research Grant.

Careers and Job Opportunities

• Graduates can pursue careers in government, NGO, multilateral, and private sector spheres.
• Career paths include advisor, advocacy officer, community affairs officer, monitoring and evaluation officer, foreign diplomat, human rights advisor, and policy analyst.
• Overseas students often return to their home countries to work in junior to mid-career government or NGO positions.

What Our Students Say

• Quotes from students highlighting their experiences and learnings in the Master of International Development program.

Accreditations and Rankings

• Massey University is ranked among the top 100 in the world for development studies in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

Related Study Options

• Border and Biosecurity – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
• Counter-Terrorism – Postgraduate Diploma in International Security
• Politics and International Relations – Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Security Studies – Graduate Certificate in Arts
• Postgraduate Certificate in International Development – PGCertIntDev

Colleges

• Massey Business School
• College of Creative Arts
• College of Health
• College of Humanities and Social Sciences
• College of Sciences

Popular Links

• Apply to study
• Qualifications & courses search
• Scholarships & awards
• Key dates
• Massey University Calendar
• Student & staff portal
• Staff intranet
• Jobs at Massey
• News
• Events