International Development MSc

Overview

If you're energised by the idea of working with developing countries, our International Development Master's will develop your understanding of international development and enhance your career prospects.

On this course, you'll explore the history, theory and practice of international development. You'll explore colonialism and globalisation, and unpack the tools, strategies and techniques used in the field.

You'll also choose your own specialisation – such as health, education, gender, international relations or criminology – and produce a project based on your research.

When you graduate, you'll have expert knowledge of development issues and strong career prospects in the international development sector – and desirable transferable skills such as communication, and qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Entry requirements​

What you'll experience

Careers and opportunities

The International Development degree course is ideal if you are already working, or hope to work in the international development sector.

You'll develop your professional networks and identify career opportunities during the course of your studies, and receive advice and guidance about your career progression from the experts and development practitioners.

You'll graduate with greater knowledge of development issues, strong career prospects in the international development sector, and the option to progress to doctoral study.

Work experience and career planning

We'll help you to identify internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work.

After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.

What you'll study on this MSc International Development Master's course

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits. You'll study modules worth a total of 180 credits over 1 year (full time) or 2 years (part time). For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.

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 and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.

Learning support

As well as support by faculty teaching 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

Teaching​

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

Term times

The academic year runs from October to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

It's divided into 2 teaching blocks and 2 assessment periods:

• Teaching block 1 – October to January
• Assessment period 1 – late January to early February
• Teaching block 2 – February to May
• Assessment period 2 – May to June

How you're assessed​

You'll be assessed through:

• essays
• discussion forums
• blogs
• portfolios
• policy brief

​Course costs

Tuition Fees  

September 2021 or January 2022 start

UK/International/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students 

• Full time (1 year): £7,450
• Part time (2 years): £3,730 (subject to annual increase)

EU students

(including Transition Scholarship)

• Full time (1 year): £7,450
• Part time (2 years): £3,730 (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course 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. 

Apply

Starting in September 2021

• Full-time study (1 year)
• Part-time study (2 years)

Starting in January 2022

• Full-time study (1 year)
• Part-time study (2 years)

International students

If you're from outside of the UK, you can apply directly to us (above) or you can 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.

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.