Development Policy and Politics

Entry requirements

An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2) or

A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.

Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our MSc in Development Policy and Politics makes a direct link between academic and practical policy approaches to international development, with an emphasis on exploring and understanding the politics of developing countries and the relationship between politics and development.

It is now clearer than ever before that the greatest development challenges of our time – poverty, conflict, famine, poor governance etc. – are driven primarily by political, not technical, factors. The aim of this programme is to provide theoretical and empirical training to students to enable them to understand the role that politics plays in both facilitating and undermining development, in both the North and the South.

The notion that “politics matters” has increasingly become the mantra of development policy-makers and practitioners – as well as development scholars - and there is now a growing recognition that international development is inherently political. Development agencies want staff trained in political economy analysis skills while academics and governments now focus more than ever on the political underpinnings of global development challenges.

Issues examined on the course include: the impact of political systems, governance and political actors on developmental successes and failures; the relationships between global, regional, national and local organisations, networks and institutions and the driving of developmental change and the politics of aid and international donors.

he International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments and NGOs. Study with us to benefit from:

• Expertise in key issues and skills valued by employers
• A vibrant, welcoming community
• Individual overseas fieldwork or study visit included in fees (on-campus programmes)
• Flexible programmes and a wide choice of modules (part-time students also welcome)
• A diverse and international student body
• Strong support in study and English language skills

View our course page for a list of modules

Information for international students

• IELTS 6.5 with no less that 6.0 in any band
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: PTE Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component

Fees and funding