MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
MSc Communication for Development
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Communication for Development is a postgraduate program that can be pursued either full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months. It aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how communication strategies can drive individual and societal transformations, leading to more effective development policies and programs.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to offer both theoretical insights and practical applications. Students engage with diverse modules that cover various aspects of communication in development, including agricultural extension, climate adaptation communication, health promotion, and rural development. The program emphasizes interactive learning methods such as seminars, lectures, tutorials, debates, discussions, and field trips. An optional placement during the second semester provides practical experience in the field.
Research Focus: The University of Reading is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in areas related to agriculture, policy, and development. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the university was ranked 35th in the UK for research quality and 28th for Research Power among multi-faculty institutions. GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master's students from over 40 countries, fostering a rich environment for research and collaboration.
Industry Engagement: The program maintains strong links with industry professionals and organizations, enhancing the learning experience through guest lectures, seminars, and networking opportunities. Collaborations with international development agencies, media outlets, and community organizations provide students with insights into real-world applications of communication strategies in development. These engagements often lead to internships and job placements, facilitating a smooth transition from academic to professional life.
Global Perspective: With a student body representing over 40 nationalities, the MSc Communication for Development offers a global perspective on communication strategies and their impact on development. The program addresses international and local development challenges, preparing students to work effectively in diverse cultural and geographical contexts. This global outlook is further enriched by the university's commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, guiding research and teaching towards addressing global challenges.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25850
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for students from Commonwealth nations pursuing a master's or PhD. Covers tuition fees, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
Great Scholarships: A collaboration between the British Council and UK universities. Provides funding of up to £10,000 for postgraduate students from selected countries.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Alumni Discount for Postgraduate Students: If you are a University of Reading graduate, you may be eligible for a tuition fee discount for further studies.
Graduates of the MSc Communication for Development program at the University of Reading are well-equipped for diverse career paths across various sectors. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, strategic communication, and project management skills, which are highly valued by organizations working on global development, media, and communication.
Development Communication Specialist: Graduates can work with international development agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations. As development communication specialists, they can contribute to designing and implementing communication strategies aimed at improving education, health, agriculture, and social well-being in underserved communities.
Public Relations and Media Relations Manager: With the knowledge gained in communication strategies and media engagement, graduates can take on roles in PR and media relations. They may manage media campaigns, shape public opinion, and raise awareness about critical issues like climate change, public health, and human rights.
International Development Consultant: Graduates may also pursue careers as consultants, helping international organizations, governments, and private entities implement effective communication strategies for development projects. As consultants, they would advise on how to use communication to achieve specific development goals, such as poverty reduction, gender equality, and sustainable development.
Advocacy and Campaign Manager: Many graduates pursue careers in advocacy and campaign management. These professionals develop and execute communication strategies that drive social change through influencing public opinion and policy. They may work for social justice movements, environmental groups, or public health campaigns.
Media Producer/Content Developer: The program also prepares students for roles in content creation, such as media producers, video/documentary creators, and writers, especially in the context of development communication. They may work in digital media, radio, TV, or online platforms to produce content that informs and educates diverse audiences.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: Another career option for graduates is working as monitoring and evaluation specialists. In this role, they assess the effectiveness of development projects by evaluating communication strategies and their impact on target communities. They work with international agencies, NGOs, and governmental organizations to track project outcomes.
Education and Training Specialist: Some graduates may go on to design and deliver training programs for organizations, institutions, or local communities. These programs might focus on building communication skills, raising awareness about critical issues, or providing leadership in development fields.
