Program Overview
The MSc Development Finance program at the University of Reading delves into the intricacies of finance for economic development in developing countries. Students explore key issues in development finance, analyze emerging economy financial markets, examine financial sector reforms, and promote financial inclusion. Graduates are equipped for careers in development finance institutions, development organizations, and the financial sector in development contexts.
Program Outline
Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24). You will examine the key issues in development finance, and conduct analysis of financial markets in emerging economies, financial sector reform, and policies and institutions, to promote financial inclusion. Choose MSc Development Finance at the University of Reading You will: join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50. explore key issues within the field of development finance and microenterprise finance, against the background of major perspectives on development and macroeconomic policy. investigate specialist areas within the financial services sector as well as other topics relating to development. Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Outline:
Compulsory modules
Development Finance Examine the impact of domestic and international financial systems on economic development and analyse trends and policy issues in development finance. You’ll also evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various funding sources available to governments in developing countries. Microfinance Critically review microfinance services for the rural and urban poor, assess financial market players, and evaluate proposals for sustainable institutions. You’ll examine the effectiveness of microfinance as a tool for aiding the disadvantaged by studying its proposed impacts. Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects Explore the role project appraisal in development, and its financial, economic, and social aspects. You’ll also understand the need for integrating environmental assessments, and explore macroeconomic, policy, and management factors in developing countries. Dissertation Development Economics
Optional modules
Theories and Practices of Development Explore contemporary theories and practices of international development. You’ll gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the key ideas influencing efforts to reduce poverty and achieve social justice around the world. Consumers, Producers, Markets and Trade Apply rigorous microeconomic reasoning to analyse consumer, producer, market, and trade behaviours, exploring internationally recognised case studies and research topics. You’ll delve into key concepts of behavioural economics and theoretical aspects of international trade. Food Security and Development Explore the complex, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. Gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world. Econometrics Energy, Climate Change and Development Explore the social and economic factors behind climate change, and critically assess solutions using ecological and energy economics. You’ll gain the ability to analyse causes and evaluate mitigation and adaptation policies. Poverty, Inequalities and Gender in Development Explore poverty, inequality, and inclusive development, with a focus on the historical context of “gender” and critically assess social policies, emphasizing gender perspectives. Economics of Public Policy Economics of Financial Markets
Teaching:
You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing. Current research, policy and practice examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events. You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change. You can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2, as well. Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers. Learning occurs across a variety of: interactive learning methods seminars lectures tutorials participation in the classroom: debates, discussions field trips. You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support.
Careers:
Your MSc Development Finance degree will prepare you for work in: development finance institutions financial programmes of development organisations trade and finance for international organisations the financial sector in development contexts. A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.
Other:
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics As an MSc Development Finance student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE). GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education. GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
New UK/Republic of Ireland students:
£10,800
New international students:
£22,350
