MSc in Poverty, Inequality and Development
Program Overview
The MSc in Poverty, Inequality and Development program at the University of Birmingham equips students with a comprehensive understanding of development, focusing on poverty and inequality. The program covers theories, approaches, and issues related to these critical concerns, developing students' analytical and policy-making skills. Through a diverse curriculum and practical experiences, graduates are prepared for careers in international development, NGOs, and other organizations seeking to address poverty and inequality.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in Poverty, Inequality and Development at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of development, with a specific focus on poverty and inequality. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and address these critical issues within the contemporary development policy discourse.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Apply these theories to contemporary development approaches and issues.
- Examine the relevance of sociological categories like class, religion, ethnicity, and gender in disaggregating levels of poverty and inequality, and in understanding the processes that foster poverty and inequality in development.
- Definitions and indicators of poverty
- Inequality and development
- Causes of poverty and inequality
- Poverty reduction strategies
- Cross-cutting issues such as gender and conflict
- Develop practical policy, program, and research skills.
Outline:
The program is structured as follows:
- Core Modules (60 credits):
- International Development
- Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development
- Optional Modules (80 credits):
- Students choose four 20-credit modules from a menu of IDD modules or other departments within the University, subject to approval.
- Dissertation (60 credits):
- Students complete a dissertation of up to 12,000 words, which may involve individual fieldwork. A contribution towards the cost of fieldwork is included in the tuition fee.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a range of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Policy briefs
- Practical exercises
- Presentations
- Dissertation (up to 12,000 words)
Teaching:
- The program is taught by a team of multidisciplinary specialists who work closely with students to address their individual interests and concerns.
- Each student is assigned an academic tutor to support their academic progress throughout the year.
- Teaching takes place over two ten-week terms, utilizing a variety of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Short lectures
- Problem-solving
- Role-play
- Group work
Careers:
The knowledge and skills gained in the program prepare graduates for careers in:
- International, national, and local government
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Think tanks
- Consultancies
Other:
- The International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments, and NGOs.
- The department has a long history of teaching students from across the world, with recent students from 99 different countries with a wide variety of professional and academic backgrounds.
- The program offers flexible options and a wide choice of modules, welcoming part-time students.
- The university offers a number of scholarships and bursaries for applicants.
- The program benefits from a diverse and international student body.
- The department provides strong support in study and English language skills.
UK students
Full-time £11,340 Part-time £5,670
International students
Full-time £25,290 Learn more about fees. Postgraduate Loans for Masters students Scholarships and studentships See the departmental scholarships and funding pages. Other funding may be available. International Students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. StudentHelp.