BAEcon Development Studies

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the BAEcon Development Studies program at the University of Manchester are well-equipped to pursue diverse career paths across the global development sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international institutions, and more. With their deep understanding of global development, economics, and social issues, students are prepared for careers in a range of fields that aim to address poverty, inequality, and sustainability. 

Development Economist: Graduates can work as development economists, contributing to the design and evaluation of economic policies aimed at promoting sustainable development, reducing poverty, and addressing income inequality in developing countries. These professionals often work for international organizations, government agencies, and think tanks, providing analysis on economic growth, trade policies, and poverty alleviation strategies.

Policy Analyst: As a policy analyst, graduates can work for governments, international organizations, or research institutions, evaluating and developing policies related to global development issues. They may focus on areas such as poverty reduction, social welfare, education, health, and economic growth, providing evidence-based recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders.

NGO Program Officer: Many graduates find roles with NGOs, where they manage and oversee development projects and programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of marginalized communities. This can include work on projects related to education, healthcare, women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution.

International Development Consultant: Graduates can work as consultants for international development organizations, providing expert advice on areas such as project management, economic development, sustainability, and policy formulation. This role involves assessing the needs of communities and advising governments, NGOs, or businesses on how to achieve their development goals.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: With a focus on addressing crises in developing countries, graduates can work with humanitarian organizations to provide emergency aid and long-term recovery assistance. Humanitarian aid workers focus on areas such as disaster relief, healthcare, food security, and rebuilding after natural disasters or conflicts.

International Relations Specialist: Graduates with a background in development studies can pursue careers in international relations, working for foreign ministries, embassies, or multilateral organizations such as the United Nations. These professionals engage in diplomacy, negotiate treaties, and collaborate on international development goals, such as sustainable development and conflict resolution.

Social Researcher: Graduates may work as social researchers in government, think tanks, or academic institutions, conducting research on various social issues related to development. This could include studying poverty, inequality, education, health disparities, or migration patterns. Researchers analyze data and produce reports that help shape development policies and programs.

Project Manager in Development: Graduates can take on the role of project managers for international development initiatives, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and ensuring that projects meet their objectives. These roles are often found within NGOs, international organizations, and development consultancies, focusing on projects related to infrastructure, health, education, and economic development.

Environmental Sustainability Expert: With an emphasis on global development challenges, graduates can pursue careers focused on environmental sustainability and climate change. Working for environmental NGOs, governmental organizations, or international bodies, they may focus on developing policies and solutions that promote sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions, and protect natural resources in developing countries.

Community Development Officer: Graduates can pursue careers in local community development, working with local governments, NGOs, or international organizations to design and implement programs that empower communities to address their own development challenges. These professionals may work in areas such as education, healthcare, social justice, and economic opportunities.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Graduates with an interest in the private sector can work as CSR managers, helping businesses implement socially responsible practices in line with sustainable development goals. They may work with companies to integrate development priorities into their business strategies, focusing on ethics, sustainability, and social impact.

Global Health Specialist: With an understanding of global health and development, graduates can pursue careers in global health organizations, working on projects related to health policy, disease prevention, healthcare systems, and access to medical services in developing countries. These professionals may work for organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) or non-governmental health agencies.

International Trade and Development Expert: Graduates may work as specialists in international trade, advising governments and international organizations on how trade policies can promote economic development in low-income countries. They may focus on trade agreements, fair trade practices, and policies that encourage inclusive growth and job creation.

Education Specialist: Graduates may pursue careers in education, working on initiatives that aim to improve educational access and quality in developing countries. This includes working with NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations to design and implement educational programs that address issues like gender inequality, literacy, and educational infrastructure.

Data Analyst/Statistician: With a background in data analysis, graduates can work as data analysts or statisticians in the development field, analyzing and interpreting data to guide policy decisions and development strategies. They may work with international development agencies, NGOs, or government bodies to measure the effectiveness of development programs and make data-driven recommendations.