International Development MSc
MSc International Development
MSc International Development
Overview
Keep working toward a better world, and creating a vision of what a fairer, interconnected global community could be, with this interdisciplinary Master's in International Development.
You'll shape your existing passion and knowledge of the sector into the practical tools, strategies and techniques needed by organisations working in international development. You'll explore issues such as colonialism and globalisation, and tailor the course to your interests by choosing modules that focus on the sustainable development goal closest to your heart.
You'll be following a wholly-online distance learning programme, designed to give you control over the pace of your learning. All materials are available on demand as you study with us, with seminars organised around your availability rather than a rigid timetable.
You'll also be on a course that's popular with professionals in the field, so whether you're already working in international development or looking for a first role in the sector, you'll be in a position to build your network with fellow practitioners.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Combine sound theoretical learning and practical skills, from literature reviews to empirical research, in a Master's focused on building a fairer world
- Control your own study on a programme designed around distance learning, with your whole course available on-demand from day one
- Engage with fellow students and practitioners through virtual learning tools, such as webinars and forums, and connect with expert lecturers in online video sessions
- Take up placement opportunities to work with NGOs in countries such as Senegal or Uganda, and network with professionals in the field taking the course with you
- Focus your research project on particular sustainable development goals, such as ending hunger, creating inclusive societies, promoting gender equality or building sustainable economic growth
Benefits of distance learning
- Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device – find out how distance learning works
- Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers and a postal loan service from our University Library – see all library support for distance learners
- Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
- Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat or video call
What you'll study on this MSc International Development Master's course
Full-time
Core
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Undertake a critical analysis of different conceptions and definitions of development.
- Critically evaluate the extent to which historic development trajectories have conditioned the political and economic orientation of contemporary regimes in the developing world.
- Critically assess approaches by used practitioners in developing regions when undertaking development projects.
- Compose written arguments citing supporting evidence in a clear, readable and well structured way.
- Interact and network with a multi-disciplinary cohort of students to gain and share insights from others.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assemble, manipulate and analyse large quantitative data sets and make useful interpretations from the analysis linking them to major global development issues.
- Gain a critical awareness of existing large data sets that can be used to analyse trends and patterns on national and international issues.
- Critically reflect and justify the use of specific qualitative research methods for collecting and analysing data.
- Critically review literature taking into account the research methods that were employed in studies reported.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically engage with a chosen topic informed by the core and optional units.
- Compose clear, detailed, and logical arguments.
- Assemble information from a variety of sources, evaluate it critically and discriminate between useful and less useful information.
- Formulate a systematic and methodologically sound research process through undertaking a literature review and empirical research.
- Justify ethical considerations surrounding research carried out, where applicable.
Optional
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop in-depth understanding of how gender has emerged as a central lens in development planning, implementation and measurement.
- Critically examine and apply contemporary approaches to gender mainstreaming.
- Develop the capacity to critically evaluate through a gender lens the impact different development contexts.
- Critically apply a range of social science techniques in assessing the gender dynamics across a range of case studies.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically engage with a range of different theoretical approaches to transitional justice at national, regional and international levels.
- Critically discuss the appropriate combination of transitional justice mechanisms employed in the pursuit of truth, justice and reconciliation in selected contexts.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in recognising the dignity of victims, providing redress and acknowledgement of violations, and preventing such abuses from happening again.
- Demonstrate the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research through the production of an annotated bibliography.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Undertake a critical analysis of different conceptions and definitions of development.
- Evaluate the extent to which historic development trajectories have conditioned the political and economic orientation of contemporary regimes in the developing world.
- Critically assess approaches used practioners in developing regions when undertaking development projects.
- Compose written arguments citing supporting evidence in a clear, readable and well structured way.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically discuss the challenges facing education in a development context at a national, sub-national, or supra-national level.
- Critically analyse the relationship between education systems and the social, political and economic contexts in which they operate.
- Identify and evaluate key challenges for educators and practitioners in developing country contexts and suggest strategies and solutions.
- Apply knowledge of education planning, project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making processes through a research-led report.
- Demonstrate the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research through the production of an annotated bibliography.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Apply a multidisciplinary approach to the study of movement of people, capital, ideas and commodity.
- Critically assess the impact of migration at a micro, mezzo and macro level and analyse the impact from individual, national and global perspectives.
- Critically analyse concepts of human rights, human capital, and human security to policies and practices relating to migration.
- Explore migrants' lived experiences through the intersectionality of gender, class, ethnicity, and sexuality.
Part-time
Core
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Undertake a critical analysis of different conceptions and definitions of development.
- Critically evaluate the extent to which historic development trajectories have conditioned the political and economic orientation of contemporary regimes in the developing world.
- Critically assess approaches by used practitioners in developing regions when undertaking development projects.
- Compose written arguments citing supporting evidence in a clear, readable and well structured way.
- Interact and network with a multi-disciplinary cohort of students to gain and share insights from others.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Assemble, manipulate and analyse large quantitative data sets and make useful interpretations from the analysis linking them to major global development issues.
- Gain a critical awareness of existing large data sets that can be used to analyse trends and patterns on national and international issues.
- Critically reflect and justify the use of specific qualitative research methods for collecting and analysing data.
- Critically review literature taking into account the research methods that were employed in studies reported.
Core
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically engage with a chosen topic informed by the core and optional units.
- Compose clear, detailed, and logical arguments.
- Assemble information from a variety of sources, evaluate it critically and discriminate between useful and less useful information.
- Formulate a systematic and methodologically sound research process through undertaking a literature review and empirical research.
- Justify ethical considerations surrounding research carried out, where applicable.
Optional modules
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Develop in-depth understanding of how gender has emerged as a central lens in development planning, implementation and measurement.
- Critically examine and apply contemporary approaches to gender mainstreaming.
- Develop the capacity to critically evaluate through a gender lens the impact different development contexts.
- Critically apply a range of social science techniques in assessing the gender dynamics across a range of case studies.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically engage with a range of different theoretical approaches to transitional justice at national, regional and international levels.
- Critically discuss the appropriate combination of transitional justice mechanisms employed in the pursuit of truth, justice and reconciliation in selected contexts.
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms in recognising the dignity of victims, providing redress and acknowledgement of violations, and preventing such abuses from happening again.
- Demonstrate the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research through the production of an annotated bibliography.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Undertake a critical analysis of different conceptions and definitions of development.
- Evaluate the extent to which historic development trajectories have conditioned the political and economic orientation of contemporary regimes in the developing world.
- Critically assess approaches used practioners in developing regions when undertaking development projects.
- Compose written arguments citing supporting evidence in a clear, readable and well structured way.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically discuss the challenges facing education in a development context at a national, sub-national, or supra-national level.
- Critically analyse the relationship between education systems and the social, political and economic contexts in which they operate.
- Identify and evaluate key challenges for educators and practitioners in developing country contexts and suggest strategies and solutions.
- Apply knowledge of education planning, project implementation, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making processes through a research-led report.
- Demonstrate the application of a variety of intellectual skills: concise exposition, succinct analysis, and informed library research through the production of an annotated bibliography.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Apply a multidisciplinary approach to the study of movement of people, capital, ideas and commodity.
- Critically assess the impact of migration at a micro, mezzo and macro level and analyse the impact from individual, national and global perspectives.
- Critically analyse concepts of human rights, human capital, and human security to policies and practices relating to migration.
- Explore migrants' lived experiences through the intersectionality of gender, class, ethnicity, and sexuality.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Careers and opportunities
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
You'll be enhancing your skills for roles in international development, whether that means working with a charitable organisation, NGO or, increasingly, a private sector partner in the field. As a graduate of this Master's, you'll be able to demonstrate your skills and commitment to the demanding employers in this competitive strand of international charity work.
You'll have built professional networks, and the ability to identify career opportunities during the course of your studies. Your lecturers, career advisors and peers can all offer advice and guidance about entering or progressing in your international development career.
You'll also be well placed for doctoral research in the field.
Graduates of this course have taken on roles such as:
- Policy manager
- Evaluation officer
The new career is very rewarding. I'm working with UNICEF Thailand on an evaluation of its country programme and as well with another NGO with projects across Africa and the Middle East on gender and technology. Very fun and meaningful work. I feel like after now doing a lot of hands-on methodology building, research tool development, interviews and report writing, that I'd be great and ready to work towards a PhD.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
Placements and industry connections
This Master's is popular with people working in the field, as it gives you instant access to a network of international development practitioners. Your lecturers are engaged in research and consultancy activity with NGOs, charities and other organisations in the sector, and you'll be well placed to apply for placement opportunities with local and global organisations while on this course.
Previous students have taken up placements with an NGO in Senegal, teaching English in Uganda with the Ashinago internship programme, or on the UN online volunteering programme.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full-time study, January start)
- 2 years (part-time study)
You can expect to spend 25 hours each week studying this course, and you'll arrange your hours to suit yourself. Webinar sessions are arranged to suit students' needs, and are recorded for those who can't attend a session live.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree.
Teaching on this course is entirely through distance learning. You'll get all course materials, readings, lectures notes and additional material through our virtual learning environment.
You'll be taught through:
- webinars
- discussion forums
- one-on-one tutorials
- lectures
- skype meetings
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- policy briefs
- discussion forums
- data analysis project
- social enterprise project
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. This includes group discussions, peer review activities, and virtual seminars.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Lana Chikhungu
I am a lecturer and researcher in International Development, focusing on issues in child and maternal health, gender and poverty alleviation in sub-Saharan Africa, but more especially in Malawi. I am also course leader for the MSc International Development.
Tamsin Bradley
I'm a Professor in International Development Studies at Portsmouth. I'm an applied social anthropologist, with research interests in ending violence and harmful cultural practices against women and girls, and promoting social inclusion.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- Academic writing
- Note taking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Presentation skills
- Referencing
- Working in groups
- Revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2022 / January 2023 start)
- Full-time: £8,100
- Part-time: £4,050 per year
- Full-time: £8,100
- Part-time: £4,050 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which relate to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
September 2022 / January 2023
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. Current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth and international students also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2021, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
- Subject area
- History, Politics, and International Relations
