| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
MSc International Development
Overview
This programme is designed for anyone involved in conceptualising or administering policies related to the Global Development Challenges. It is especially suitable if you are already involved in planning development strategies, currently working for a non-governmental or governmental organisation in the development field, or planning for a career in development.
The programme combines an intellectual and academic approach with policy-oriented and empirical studies of development. It addresses three separate, but related, facets of the development process:
- Analysing what development means.
- Studying the processes of planning (external aid, regional disparities, environmental factors, poverty and industrialisation).
- Examining how development policies may be delivered and administered, analysing the importance of effective political and bureaucratic structures, and evaluating the contributions of NGOs and other external bodies.
Key Information
Programme Duration
- One year full-time
- Two years part-time
Start Date
- September 2025
Application Deadline
- Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
- Home applicants: 8 August 2025
Delivery Method
- On-Campus
Location
- Clifton
Awards Available
- MSc
Programme Structure
You will take a combination of mandatory and optional taught units within the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies. Each unit is delivered and assessed by an essay (or equivalent form of written submission). The taught section of the programme is followed in the summer term by a dissertation.
Entry Requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any discipline.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- Evidence of significant, relevant work experience in one of the following sectors: NGOs, Government Departments, Think Tanks (minimum of six months in a paid role)
- A postgraduate qualification in any discipline
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Fees and Funding
Home Students
- Full-time: £17,800 per year
- Part-time (two years): £8,900 per year
Overseas Students
- Full-time: £29,300 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
Alumni Discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and Scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career Prospects
Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation. Students of our MSc programmes go on to pursue varied and interesting careers.
Many sectors - such as the civil service, NGOs and charities - require an MSc and some volunteering or internship experience. Graduates from our programmes have gone on to work for Refugee UK, Shelter, Barnardo's, Amnesty International, government departments and the European Parliament, among others.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This MSc International Development program is designed for individuals involved in conceptualizing or administering policies related to Global Development Challenges. It is particularly suitable for those already involved in planning development strategies, working for non-governmental or governmental organizations in the development field, or planning for a career in development. The program combines an intellectual and academic approach with policy-oriented and empirical studies of development. It addresses three separate, but related, facets of the development process: Analyzing what development means Studying the processes of planning (external aid, regional disparities, environmental factors, poverty, and industrialization) Examining how development policies may be delivered and administered, analyzing the importance of effective political and bureaucratic structures, and evaluating the contributions of NGOs and other external bodies.
Outline:
The program consists of a combination of mandatory and optional taught units within the School of Sociology, Politics, and International Studies. Each unit is delivered over 12 weeks and assessed by an essay (or equivalent form of written submission).
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc International Development program pursue varied and interesting careers. Many sectors, such as the civil service, NGOs, and charities, require an MSc and some volunteering or internship experience.
Other:
- The program is one year full-time or two years part-time.
- Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance.
- The start date is September 2024.
- The application deadline for overseas applicants is 24 July 2024, and for home applicants is 9 August 2024.
- The program is delivered on-campus in Clifton.
- The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
- 94% of the university's research is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
Tuition Fees:
- UK: full-time £14,100 per year
- UK: part-time (two years) £7,050 per year
- Overseas: full-time £27,400 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
University of Bristol Summary
Overview:
The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.
Services Offered:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:
A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Students' Union:
A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.Library:
Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.Sport, Exercise, and Health:
Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Academic Standards:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.Strong Research Output:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.Location in a Dynamic City:
Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.Excellent Career Prospects:
Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.Academic Programs:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
Arts, Music, Theatre, Film, and more.Science:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and more.Engineering:
Aerospace, Civil, Electrical, and more.Medicine and Dentistry:
Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Politics, Sociology, and more.Law:
Law, Criminology, and more.Entry Requirements:
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any discipline. For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies. We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following: evidence of significant (6 months in a paid role) relevant work experience in sectors such as NGOs, Government Departments, Think Tanks; a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
