MA Poverty and Development

The MA in Poverty and Development at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program that delves into the complexities of poverty, its causes, and potential solutions. Students engage with interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from economics, sociology, and political science, to critically analyze development policies and practices. The program emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to understand poverty within diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts.​

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in development theory and practice, complemented by specialized modules that address contemporary issues. Core modules include "Poverty and Inequality," which examines the multifaceted nature of poverty, and "Poverty, Vulnerability, and the Global Economy," focusing on the social, economic, and political processes contributing to poverty. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules, such as "Migration and Global Development," which explores the intersections of migration, poverty, and development. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice. ​

Research Focus: Sussex's Department of International Development is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in areas related to poverty and development. Faculty members are actively engaged in research that addresses global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and social justice. Students benefit from this research-intensive environment, gaining exposure to cutting-edge studies and methodologies. The department's commitment to interdisciplinary research ensures that students develop a comprehensive understanding of development issues. ​

Industry Engagement: The university's Career Lab offers a range of services to support students' professional development. These include internships, community consultancy projects, and insight visits, providing students with practical experience and networking opportunities. Additionally, Sussex's strong connections with international organizations, NGOs, and governmental bodies facilitate career opportunities in the development sector. ​

Global Perspective: The MA in Poverty and Development program attracts a diverse student body from around the world, fostering a global learning environment. Sussex's commitment to internationalization is reflected in its partnerships with institutions globally and its emphasis on addressing worldwide development challenges. Students engage with global perspectives, preparing them for careers in international development and related fields.

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 65% 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 95.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

Graduates of the MA in Poverty and Development from the University of Sussex are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in the development sector, NGOs, international organizations, policy analysis, and more. The interdisciplinary nature of the program allows students to develop a diverse skill set that is highly sought after by employers worldwide. 

Development Economist: With a strong foundation in economics, many graduates of the program work as development economists. They analyze economic policies, trends, and data to understand how economic systems contribute to or alleviate poverty. Development economists often work for international organizations, government agencies, and think tanks.

Policy Advisor or Analyst: Graduates can become policy advisors or analysts, where they provide recommendations to governments, NGOs, and international organizations on how to address poverty, inequality, and development challenges. Their expertise in development theory and practice helps shape effective policies and programs that promote sustainable development.

Project Manager in Development: Many graduates choose to become project managers in the development sector, overseeing and implementing development initiatives in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. They manage resources, coordinate teams, and ensure that projects align with the needs of the communities they serve.

International Development Consultant: Some graduates work as consultants, offering expert advice on development strategies and policies. As consultants, they may help governments, international organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) design and evaluate development programs, focusing on poverty alleviation and economic growth.

Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates with a passion for humanitarian work can pursue careers with international organizations such as the United Nations, Red Cross, or World Food Programme. They work in conflict zones or areas affected by natural disasters to provide essential aid, promote recovery, and help build long-term resilience in communities.

Advocacy and Campaign Specialist: Advocacy roles are ideal for graduates passionate about social change. As advocacy specialists, they work with NGOs and global organizations to campaign for policy reforms and raise awareness about issues related to poverty and development. This role often involves working directly with vulnerable communities, lobbying policymakers, and organizing public campaigns.

Researcher in Development Studies: Many graduates of the MA Poverty and Development choose to pursue research careers, either in academic institutions or research think tanks. These professionals conduct studies on poverty, inequality, and development issues to provide data and insights that inform policy and strategy development.

Social Development Specialist: Graduates with a focus on social development can work on projects aimed at improving access to education, healthcare, gender equality, and human rights. As specialists in this field, they often design, implement, and monitor social programs that improve the quality of life for marginalized populations.

Program Officer at an NGO or International Organization: Graduates can work as program officers in organizations focused on international development. In these roles, they coordinate international development programs, manage partnerships, secure funding, and ensure that projects are effectively implemented and meet the desired outcomes.

Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist: Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists play a key role in assessing the effectiveness of development programs. They design frameworks to track project performance, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements. This role ensures that development projects are impactful and that resources are used efficiently.

Sustainability and Environmental Development Expert: With the growing emphasis on sustainable development, graduates can work in roles that integrate poverty alleviation with environmental sustainability. They may focus on sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and climate change adaptation to ensure that development is both equitable and environmentally responsible.

Public Relations and Communications Specialist: Graduates with strong communication skills may pursue careers in public relations or media, working to raise awareness about poverty and development issues. They create compelling narratives and campaigns that bring attention to critical issues, mobilize support, and engage stakeholders in development efforts.