Development Studies MSc

Overview

The MSc Development Studies course is interdisciplinary and innovative. It provides a thorough grounding in the development field, and its emphasis on research enables students to specialise in their particular areas of interest. The MSc Development Studies is led by Professor Gaim Kibreab and taught by excellent research-active lecturers who specialise in social and economic development, as forced migration. See the current research projects tied to the International Development, Emergencies and Refugee Studies (IDEARS) Research Group. Through the use of case studies you'll analyse a range of issues, crucial for Development policy and practice, such as: Globalisation: markets, trade and the global economy; Trade and Aid: the role of international institutions and agencies; Strategies for Industrialisation: economic growth and human development; Social Development: livelihoods, poverty and poverty reduction; Developing the Rural Sector: Agrarian Policies, migration and urbanisation; Environmental policies and sustainable development; Political empowerment, participation, and human rights. The course develops the skills required to undertake development research, focusing on appropriate methodologies, data collection, policy and project design and implementation. A research dissertation forms a central part of your work on the course.

Employability

A humanities masters has the real advantage of opening up careers in a number of professions such as teaching, social work, administration and higher level education. Graduates have forged exciting careers in research-related work, public relations, advertising, retail, management and media-related work. Previous students have entered careers in many fields working for international organisations such as the United Nations and its constituent organisations, the World Bank, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organisation. Many students take up posts in their home countries within government, non-government and civil society organisations, or with non-governmental development organisations in the UK, in addition to teaching posts in universities and colleges specialising in Development research and practice.

Professional links

The MSc has excellent relations with Development Agencies and NGO working in the development field. Students from these organisations are regularly enrolled on the course and members of these organisations gave regular presentations to MSc students.