GradDip International Development

Program Overview

The GradDip in International Development is a graduate program that provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the development process. It equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to work in international development as practitioners or academic/policy specialists. The program offers a range of courses covering political, economic, and other aspects of development, and emphasizes critical thinking, oral presentation, and group work skills. Graduates have found employment in organizations such as the Irish aid program, NGOs, and agencies of the European Union and United Nations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The GradDip in International Development is a graduate-level program designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of the development process. It brings together expertise in various fields, including politics, economics, agriculture, political economy, and others.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in international development, either as a practitioner or as an academic/policy specialist. It encourages a critical and constructive approach to interdisciplinary development issues, including economic, political, and other aspects.

Program Outcomes:

• Acquaint students with cutting-edge development issues
• Allow students to comment critically on development interventions
• Develop oral presentation skills
• Enhance group work skills
• Enhance students' abilities to assess development practice on the ground
• Equip students with the skills to work in the field of international development

Outline:

Program Structure:

• The Graduate Diploma in International Development is a 60-credit program.
• Full-time students take three 10-credit modules in the first trimester and three 10-credit modules in the second trimester.
• Depending on their performance, aspirations, and module selection, students may be able to transfer from the graduate diploma into the MA International Development after the first trimester.

Course Schedule:

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 2 years

Modules:

Core Modules:

• POL40100 Politics of Development (Spring): This module explores the political dimensions of development, examining the role of states, civil society, and international organizations in shaping development outcomes.
• POL41860 Governance, Politics and Development (Spring): This module focuses on the relationship between governance, politics, and development, analyzing how political institutions and processes influence development trajectories.

Option Modules:

Autumn:

• GS40100 Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice: This module examines the intersection of gender, conflict, and transitional justice, exploring the experiences of women and girls in conflict-affected societies.
• LAW40760 NGOs: Law, Governance and Social Change: This module analyzes the legal frameworks and governance structures that shape the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting social change.
• POL30820 Political Risk and Foreign Direct Investment: This module explores the political risks associated with foreign direct investment, examining how political factors can influence investment decisions.
• POL40140 Theories of Global Justice: This module explores different philosophical and political theories of global justice, examining issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights.
• POL40160 Comparative Public Policy: This module compares public policy approaches across different countries, analyzing the factors that shape policy choices and outcomes.
• POL40540 Comparative European Politics: This module examines the political systems and institutions of European countries, comparing their political cultures and policy priorities.
• POL40950 Introduction to Statistics: This module introduces students to basic statistical concepts and methods, providing them with the skills to analyze quantitative data.
• POL41020 Politics of Human Rights: This module explores the political dimensions of human rights, examining the role of states, international organizations, and civil society in promoting and protecting human rights.
• POL41510 Politics and Change in the Middle East and North Africa: This module examines the political dynamics and social transformations in the Middle East and North Africa, analyzing the challenges and opportunities for change in the region.
• POL41980 Peace & Conflict Studies: This module explores the causes, dynamics, and consequences of conflict, examining different approaches to peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
• POL42040 Gender & the Political System: This module examines the role of gender in shaping political systems and processes, analyzing the ways in which gender inequalities influence political participation and representation.
• POL42330 Research Design: This module introduces students to the principles of research design, providing them with the skills to develop and implement research projects.

Spring:

• DEV40020 Gender and Development: This module examines the role of gender in development, exploring the ways in which gender inequalities influence development outcomes and the strategies for promoting gender equality.
• POL40370 International Political Economy: This module explores the intersection of politics and economics in the global arena, examining the power dynamics and policy challenges in the international political economy.
• POL40970 Politics of European Governance: This module examines the political processes and institutions of European governance, analyzing the challenges and opportunities for European integration.
• POL41030 Theory of Human Rights: This module provides a theoretical framework for understanding human rights, examining the philosophical foundations, legal frameworks, and practical applications of human rights.
• POL41640 Qualitative Research Methods for Political Science: This module introduces students to qualitative research methods, providing them with the skills to collect, analyze, and interpret qualitative data.
• POL41720 Gender Peace and Security: This module examines the intersection of gender, peace, and security, exploring the experiences of women and girls in conflict and post-conflict settings.
• POL41910 Political Violence (NEW): This module explores the causes, dynamics, and consequences of political violence, examining different theoretical perspectives and policy responses.
• POL42340 Programming for Social Scientists: This module introduces students to programming concepts and techniques, providing them with the skills to use programming languages for social science research.

Faculty:

• The program boasts world-renowned staff drawn from many countries.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Graduates of the program have found employment with the official Irish aid program, in Irish and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Trocaire, Goal, Action Aid, and Oxfam, and with agencies of the European Union and the United Nations.
• Other career paths include journalism, education, local community development, and public administration.

Opportunities:

• The program provides students with the skills and knowledge to work in a variety of international development roles.

Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to the field of international development, working in both practical and academic/policy roles.

Other:

• The program is offered by the oldest and largest school of its kind in Ireland, with over 150 years of experience in political studies.
• Learning is designed to be participatory, and a critical but constructive approach to interdisciplinary development issues is encouraged.

GradDip International Development (W299) Full Time nonEU fee per year - € 15070 EU fee per year - € 7810 GradDip International Development (W300) Part Time EU fee per year - € 5170 nonEU fee per year - € 7540