MSc Financial Economics
The MSc Financial Economics program at the University of Birmingham is a rigorous and r...
MSc Development Policy and Politics
Birmingham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Development Policy and Politics program focuses on the intersection of development and politics, examining the political processes that shape development policies and their impact on global social, economic, and environmental issues. It emphasizes the need for policy-makers to understand the complexities of the global development landscape, including the role of political institutions, international organizations, and social movements in shaping development agendas. The program provides an in-depth understanding of key global challenges, including poverty, inequality, conflict, and environmental sustainability, while fostering the analytical skills needed to propose and evaluate development policies.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to offer a blend of core modules and elective courses, allowing students to tailor their learning experience according to their areas of interest. Core modules include Development Theory and Practice, where students examine the evolution of development thinking and its practical applications, and Development Policy and Politics, which focuses on understanding the political dimensions of policy-making in global development contexts. Optional modules provide flexibility to explore specialized topics such as Global Governance, Political Economy of Development, Conflict and Development, and Sustainable Development Policy. The program also includes an opportunity for students to engage in a dissertation project, allowing them to apply their research and analytical skills to a specific issue in development policy and politics.
Research Focus: The University of Birmingham is recognized for its strong research focus on global development, policy analysis, and international politics. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas such as international development governance, political economy, global health policy, environmental sustainability, and conflict resolution. Students benefit from the opportunity to engage with faculty-led research projects, access a range of research resources, and participate in workshops and seminars focused on development policy and politics. The program encourages students to critically assess the political dimensions of development issues, proposing innovative policy solutions for complex global challenges.
Industry Engagement: The MSc Development Policy and Politics program provides students with extensive industry engagement opportunities through partnerships with international development organizations, governmental bodies, and NGOs. The university has established connections with key actors in the development sector, facilitating internships, placements, and consultancy projects that allow students to gain hands-on experience in the field. Guest lectures and networking events with industry professionals provide further insights into the real-world challenges faced by development practitioners. This strong focus on industry engagement ensures that students are well-prepared for careers in policy analysis, advocacy, and development management.
Global Perspective: The program offers a global perspective on development policy and politics, exploring how development challenges are addressed in different regions of the world. It considers the role of international institutions like the World Bank, United Nations, and International Monetary Fund, alongside local and national political structures that influence development outcomes. Students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of global policies on local communities and the role of international cooperation in addressing development challenges. The diverse student body and the university’s international research collaborations further enhance the global outlook of the program, providing students with multiple perspectives on development policy and politics from different regions.
Location
Birmingham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28220
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 50%-60% 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 20 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67 with no individual score below 64.
- 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 Birmingham offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with their studies.
Academic Scholarships: These are awarded to students who achieve outstanding academic results. The scholarship amount varies depending on the course and level of study.
Sports Scholarships: These are awarded to students who excel in sports. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and accommodation.
International Scholarships: These are awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance.
Subject-specific Scholarships: These are awarded to students studying certain subjects. The scholarship amount and eligibility criteria vary depending on the subject.
The University of Birmingham provides excellent facilities, is highly ranked, and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students.
The MSc Development Policy and Politics program open up diverse career opportunities for graduates in the field of international development.
Development Consultant: Graduates can work as development consultants, providing expertise to governments, NGOs, and international organizations on development projects and policies.
Policy Analyst: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, conducting research and providing evidence-based recommendations to shape development policies.
International NGO Worker: Graduates can work for international NGOs, contributing to the implementation and evaluation of development programs.
Diplomacy and International Relations: Graduates may pursue roles in diplomacy and international relations, representing their countries or organizations in development-related matters.
Research and Academia: The program prepares students for further academic pursuits, leading to careers in research and teaching in the field of development studies.
Social and Economic Research: Graduates can work in research organizations, conducting studies on social and economic development issues.
