MBA Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive curriculum design...
MA International Development
Western Bank-The University of Sheffield
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA International Development program at the University of Sheffield offers students a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of international development. Through a combination of academic learning, research, and practical application, students explore the root causes of global inequalities and develop strategies to address issues like climate change, economic development, human rights, and gender equality. The program aims to empower students with the tools to critically assess development policies, institutions, and interventions. Additionally, the university offers a flexible curriculum, allowing students to tailor their studies based on their interests, from global health to conflict resolution and environmental sustainability.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA International Development program is designed to equip students with a strong theoretical foundation, as well as practical skills for analyzing and addressing global development challenges. Core modules typically include Theories of Development, Global Political Economy of Development, Development Policy and Practice, and Research Methods for Development Studies. In addition to these essential modules, students have the option to select from a range of specialized electives, such as Human Rights and Development, Environmental Politics, and Gender and Development. A key component of the program is the dissertation project, where students engage in independent research, exploring a topic of their choice related to international development, often addressing current global issues and offering policy recommendations.
Research Focus: The University of Sheffield is renowned for its strong emphasis on research excellence, and the MA International Development program benefits from this research-driven approach. Students are encouraged to engage with cutting-edge research on topics like global poverty, environmental sustainability, migration, and post-conflict reconstruction. The university’s research in development studies is focused on both theoretical and applied aspects, with an emphasis on addressing real-world challenges faced by developing countries. The program’s research agenda is shaped by the ongoing work of the faculty, who are internationally recognized for their expertise in international development, poverty reduction, and the role of global institutions. This research focus ensures that students are not only learning about established theories but are also exposed to the latest developments in the field.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the MA International Development program at the University of Sheffield. The university has strong links with development organizations, NGOs, and governmental and international institutions, providing students with valuable opportunities for internships, placements, and networking. Students gain hands-on experience working on real-world development projects, often in collaboration with organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These partnerships allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and practicalities of working in international development. Additionally, the university’s involvement in policy research ensures that students have access to the latest policy debates and development initiatives.
Global Perspective: The MA International Development program at the University of Sheffield offers a truly global perspective on development, incorporating case studies and examples from across the world. The university’s diverse student body and international faculty enrich the learning experience, providing multiple viewpoints on global development challenges. Students are exposed to global issues, such as the impact of globalization, conflict, and migration, as well as the ways in which different regions respond to these challenges. This global outlook is further enhanced by the university’s international partnerships, which provide students with opportunities to engage with development practitioners and researchers from around the world. As a result, graduates are well-equipped to work in a variety of international contexts, from global organizations and NGOs to local governments and development consultancies.
Location
Western Bank-The University of Sheffield
Score
IELTS: 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26350
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60%-70% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 19 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 56.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
Postgraduate students may be eligible for the following scholarships:
Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to UK, EU, and international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
International Merit Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship is available to students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee, airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend.
The MA International Development program at the University of Sheffield aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to understand and address complex development challenges faced by countries and communities worldwide. Graduates of this program are well-positioned for careers in a range of fields related to international development.
Some potential career paths for graduates of the MA International Development program include:
International development organizations: Graduates can work for organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, or other development agencies.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) : Graduates can work for NGOs focused on development issues, such as Oxfam, Save the Children, or CARE.
Government agencies: Graduates can work for government agencies, such as the UK Department for International Development or the US Agency for International Development.
Research and academia: Graduates can pursue research or academic careers in the field of international development, working for universities or think tanks.
Private sector: Graduates can work for companies that engage in corporate social responsibility or sustainability, particularly those with operations in developing countries.
