Overview

The Development, Environment, and International Politics MSc program provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and shape global debates in Development Studies, Global Environmental Politics, and contemporary International Relations. This program equips students with analytical and methodological skills, as well as conceptual and empirical knowledge, to understand, explain, and interrogate the international politics of development and the environment.

What You'll Learn

As a student on the Development, Environment, and International Politics MSc program, you will:

• Gain advanced knowledge and understanding of the relationship between international development and the politics of the environment.
• Use analytical and methodological methods to study and interrogate key ideas, actors, and policies in international development.
• Develop an understanding of the complex socio-economic and ecological challenges facing the Global South in the era of climate breakdown.
• Gain a deep understanding of essential research techniques and approaches in International Development and Politics research, including qualitative analysis and data visualization.
• Conduct independent research on key issues in international development, global environmental politics, and international politics.

Modules

The program includes the following modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
  • Thinking About Politics
  • Development, Environment, and International Politics
  • Dissertation
• Optional Modules:
  • Global Sustainable Futures: Solutions, Concepts, and Skills
  • Creative Methods in Social Science
  • Political Geographies of the Middle East
  • Geographical Inequalities and Policy
  • Migration, Displacement, and Global Challenges
  • Cybersecurity Law and Policy
  • Public International Law
  • Law and Emerging Technologies
  • Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy, and Society
  • Heritage Processes: global perspectives, practices, and politics
  • European Union: Policy and Politics
  • Theories and Theorists of International Political Economy
  • Theories of International Relations
  • American Foreign Policy
  • Global Justice and Human Rights
  • Critical Geopolitics
  • World Politics and Popular Culture
  • The United Nations: Policy, Politics, and Power
  • Principles of Data Science for Political Research
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Theoretical Foundations
  • The Moral Limits of the Market: Public Policy Projects
  • Problem Solving for Defence (H4MoD)
  • Public Policy in Practice: from the Local to the Global
  • Power and Policy: Understanding Impact
  • Global Security: Politics, Space, and Society (P)
  • Critical Approaches to Environment and Society
  • Global Sex Global Race
  • Inequalities: Issues and Intersections
  • Perpetual Wars? Crime, Policing, and (in)Security

How You'll Learn

The program is delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops. Expert academic staff will help you deepen your understanding of key concepts through active participation, independent research, discussion, and collaboration with peers.

Your Future

You will develop specialist knowledge and research skills for a career with a significant international dimension. You will also be able to pursue a postgraduate research degree in globalization, development, or poverty studies.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Developmental Studies - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

As a Politics student, you will be based in the Henry Daysh Building.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • Home students: £11,400
  • International students: £26,500
• Scholarships: We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements: A 2:1 honors degree, or international equivalent. Degrees from all disciplines will be considered.
• English Language requirements: IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other qualifications.
• Admissions policy: This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

How to Apply

• Start Dates: The course starts in September.
• Closing Dates: There is no application closing date for this course.
• Deposit: If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

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International Politics (Globalisation, Poverty and Development) MA

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Degree Overview:

This master's program delves into the complex and multifaceted relationship between globalization, poverty, and development. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical, practical, and research aspects of poverty and its impact on global politics. The program emphasizes analyzing the causes, consequences, and discourses surrounding poverty and development issues within the context of global economic and social dynamics. The program aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the following areas:

• Globalisation: Understanding the drivers, processes, and consequences of globalization and its impact on development and poverty.
• Poverty: Examining the multidimensional nature of poverty, its causes, and potential solutions.
• Development: Exploring different approaches to development, including sustainable development, human development, and social justice.
• International Relations Theory: Applying theoretical frameworks to analyze the role of states, international organizations, and non-state actors in addressing poverty and development.
• International and Regional Studies Themes: Engaging with specific regional and thematic issues related to globalization, poverty, and development.
This program is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding the complexities of global poverty and its connection to global politics. It prepares graduates for careers in government, international organizations, NGOs, research institutions, and academia, where they can contribute to policy-making, program development, and research efforts aimed at tackling global poverty and achieving sustainable development.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Thinking About Politics:
Introduce students to key concepts, theories, and methods in political science.
• Globalisation, Poverty and Development: Provide a comprehensive overview of the historical, theoretical, and contemporary issues related to globalization, poverty, and development.
• Dissertation: Offer students the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic related to globalization, poverty, and development.
• Optional Modules:
• Creative Methods in Social Science:
Equip students with advanced research methods and techniques for social science research.
• Environmental Humanities: Explore the complex relationship between human societies and the environment.
• Human Geography: Concepts in Action: Deepen understanding of key concepts and approaches in human geography.
• Political Geographies of the Middle East: Analyze the political geography of the Middle East region and its relevance to global politics.
• Geographical Inequalities and Policy: Examine the spatial dimensions of inequality and policy responses to address them.
• Children and Young People: Contemporary Global Challenges: Explore the challenges and opportunities facing children and young people in a globalized world.
• Law and Emerging Technologies: Analyze the legal and ethical implications of emerging technologies.
• Social Media Regulation: Law, Policy and Society: Examine the legal and societal issues surrounding social media regulation.
• Integration in Europe: Explore the history, challenges, and future of European integration.
• Theories and Theorists of International Political Economy: Analyze the main theories and theorists in the field of international political economy.
• Theories of International Relations: Introduce students to the major theories of international relations.
• Autocratisation in Global Politics: Explore the rise of authoritarianism and its implications for global politics.
• Security: Politics, Space and Society: Analyze the concept of security and its relationship to politics, space, and society.
• Global Justice and Human Rights: Examine the philosophical and political debates surrounding global justice and human rights.
• Critical Geopolitics: Explore alternative perspectives on geopolitics and its role in shaping global politics.
• World Politics and Popular Culture: Analyze the role of popular culture in shaping global politics.
• The United Nations and Global Governance: Examine the role of the United Nations in global governance.
• Principles of Data Science for Political Research: Introduce students to the principles and methods of data science for political research.
• Environmental Global Governance: Explore the challenges and opportunities of global governance in addressing environmental issues.
• Studying International Relations: Key Analytical Challenge: Develop students' analytical skills for studying international relations.
• Problem Solving for Defence (H4MoD): Equip students with the skills to analyze and solve complex problems in the defense sector.
• The Moral Limits of the Market: Theory and Public Policy: Analyze the ethical and philosophical issues surrounding market economies and public policy.
• Global Sex Global Race: Explore the intersection of globalization, race, and gender.

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Year 2:

• Dissertation (continued): Conduct further research and write a dissertation on a chosen topic related to globalization, poverty, and development.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the modules chosen. However, common assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Research proposals
• Research papers
• Written exercises
• Presentations
• Group projects
Small group seminars, with a maximum of 15 students, provide a personalized learning environment. Lectures are delivered by experienced and research-active faculty members. The program also incorporates guest lectures from practitioners and experts in the field.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for careers in various sectors, including:

• Government
• International organizations
• NGOs
• Research institutions
• Academia
• Consulting
• Journalism
• Teaching
Possible career paths include:
• Policy analyst
• Researcher
• Development practitioner
• Project manager
• Consultant
• Journalist
• Teacher
• Academic

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Other:

The program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to analyzing globalization, poverty, and development. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse perspectives and theoretical frameworks. The program also provides opportunities for students to develop their research skills and gain practical experience through internships and research projects.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.