MSc Accounting and Financial Management
Designed for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds with quantitative training, th...
MSc International Development
Clifton Campus
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc International Development program at the University of Bristol is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address the complex challenges facing developing countries and global communities. This interdisciplinary program combines theory and practice, providing students with a deep understanding of the socio-economic, political, and environmental issues that shape global development. The program is ideal for those wishing to pursue careers in international development organizations, NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, or the private sector. With a focus on sustainable development, human rights, poverty reduction, and global governance, the MSc International Development prepares students to engage with contemporary global challenges and contribute to positive change in the world.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc International Development at the University of Bristol is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of global development issues, combining academic rigor with practical learning. Core modules cover foundational topics such as development theory, global economic and political structures, and the dynamics of poverty, inequality, and social justice. Students also explore subjects such as international aid, climate change, gender, human rights, and the role of international institutions in shaping development policies. The program offers a range of optional modules, allowing students to specialize in areas such as global health, conflict and post-conflict recovery, development economics, and sustainable development. The curriculum culminates in an independent dissertation, where students undertake original research on a topic of their choice, contributing to the academic field of international development. This balanced approach ensures that students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in global development.
Research Focus: The MSc International Development program at the University of Bristol is deeply rooted in research, with the university’s Department of Sociology, Politics, and International Studies (SPAIS) being known for its expertise in global development studies. The research focus within the program includes themes such as poverty, inequality, human development, conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, and the role of international organizations in promoting development. Students are encouraged to engage with current debates in development theory and practice, critically assessing how development policies and interventions impact local communities. The program fosters independent research, with students being able to tailor their dissertation projects to address specific issues related to global development, drawing on the department's expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students benefit from the university’s strong research culture, working alongside leading scholars who are engaged in cutting-edge research on global development issues.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key component of the MSc International Development program at the University of Bristol. The program has established strong links with international development organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and research institutions, offering students opportunities to gain practical experience in the field. Through internships, placements, and collaborative research projects, students can apply their academic learning to real-world development challenges. The university also organizes networking events, guest lectures, and workshops with professionals working in international development, providing students with valuable insights into the industry and enhancing their career prospects. These industry connections enable students to develop professional networks, gain hands-on experience, and enhance their understanding of the operational challenges faced by development organizations.
Global Perspective: The MSc International Development program at the University of Bristol emphasizes a global perspective, recognizing that development challenges are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation. The program encourages students to think critically about the ways in which global forces such as globalization, climate change, migration, and international trade affect development outcomes. Students engage with global development issues from a variety of cultural, social, and political contexts, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities of development around the world. The diverse student body and international faculty contribute to the global outlook of the program, creating a rich learning environment where students can share perspectives and experiences from different regions. The university’s partnerships with international organizations, as well as its focus on research that tackles global development challenges, further enhance the global perspective of the program. This broad international view prepares students for careers in global development, international organizations, and policy-making, equipping them to contribute to solutions that address the world’s most pressing issues.
Location
Clifton Campus
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 29300
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 65% 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 85, with at least 20 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65 with no individual score below 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
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.
The University of Bristol offers a range of scholarship opportunities to both domestic and international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to high-achieving students who are starting their undergraduate or postgraduate studies at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
Think Big Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic merit and potential.
Sanctuary Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to asylum seekers, refugees, and their immediate family members who are seeking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Bristol. The scholarship covers full tuition fees and a maintenance allowance.
The MSc International Development program equips graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the field of international development.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): Graduates can work for NGOs focused on international development, poverty alleviation, human rights, and social justice. They may engage in project management, policy advocacy, research, and program coordination.
International Development Agencies: Graduates can work for international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or regional development banks. They may contribute to policy development, research, and project implementation in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, or infrastructure.
Government and Public Sector: Graduates can work for government departments and agencies responsible for development policies and programs. They may be involved in policy formulation, project management, and monitoring and evaluation.
Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue further studies and research in the field of international development or related disciplines. They may work as researchers, lecturers, or professors in universities or research institutes, contributing to the academic understanding of development challenges.
Social Enterprises and Impact Investing: Graduates can work for social enterprises or impact investment firms that aim to address social and environmental challenges through sustainable business models. They may contribute to business development, impact assessment, and social innovation.
Consulting and Advisory Services: Graduates can work for consulting firms specializing in international development. They may provide expertise in areas such as program evaluation, policy analysis, and capacity building for governments and organizations.
Advocacy and Policy Analysis: Graduates can work as advocates or policy analysts for think tanks, research institutes, or advocacy organizations. They may analyze development policies, conduct research, and advocate for evidence-based policy changes.
