Program Overview
The MSc in International Development at the University of Birmingham offers a comprehensive understanding of development challenges and equips students with critical thinking skills to analyze poverty reduction approaches. The program allows flexibility in elective module choice and provides fieldwork opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in development organizations, consultancies, and government. The program's strong international reputation and diverse student body foster a supportive learning environment.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc in International Development at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing developing and developed countries in the fight against global poverty. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills, allowing students to analyze and evaluate various approaches to poverty reduction. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Theories of development in historical context
- Contemporary development approaches and issues
- Rural and urban poverty reduction
- Conflict and development
- Gender and development
- Project management
- Disaster management
- Governance The program is taught by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists who work closely with students to address individual interests and concerns. Each student is assigned an academic tutor to support their academic progress throughout the year.
Outline:
The program consists of one compulsory core module and five elective modules:
Core Module:
- International Development (20 credits): This module explores theories of development in historical context from 1945 up to the present day. It applies these theories to contemporary development approaches and issues, emphasizing the development of a critical understanding of the evolution of development theories over the last half century and its implications for present-day thinking about development.
Elective Modules:
Students can choose five modules from a wide range of options, including:
- Rural and urban poverty reduction
- Conflict and development
- Gender and development
- Project management
- Disaster management
- Governance
- Other modules available in the University
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Policy briefs
- Practical exercises
- Presentations
- Dissertation (60 credits) of no more than 12,000 words
Teaching:
Teaching takes place over two ten-week terms, utilizing a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- Short lectures
- Problem solving
- Role play
- Group work
Careers:
The knowledge and skills gained on the program will help to equip students for jobs in:
- International, national, and local government
- Non-governmental organizations
- Think tanks
- Consultancies
Other:
- The program includes individual fieldwork or an organized study visit, with funding for this overseas study included in the program fee.
- The International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments, and NGOs.
- The program does not assume any prior knowledge of international development and welcomes applications from candidates who meet the admissions criteria.
- The university offers a number of scholarships and bursaries for applicants.
- The program is flexible and allows students to tailor it to their own interests.
- The student body is diverse and international.
- The department provides strong support in study and English language skills.
