International Development MA
- Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: One year full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
- Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
About the course
Do you want to make the world a more sustainable and just place? Would you like to develop the knowledge and skills to become a change maker in tackling the global issues facing the planet today?
This degree will equip you to understand and analyse the driving factors and key players beyond the nation state (social movements, civil society groups, transnational corporations and organisations) of the most pressing global issues, such as climate change, poverty, and inequality. We don’t stop there, however, but through teaching, training, and externally facing activities we guide and support you to develop the skills and competencies needed to become an instigator of change.
The degree focuses on supporting you to develop professional skills, such as consultancy, project management, cultural awareness and critical analysis, to thrive in the international development sector. In terms of hands-on work experiences, you will have the opportunity to act as a consultant for an external national or international organisation or to do a more “traditional” work placement. Developing your professional profile starts in term one and will continue throughout your time with us.
With interactive workshops, national and international field trips, your own independent research, collaborations, volunteering and placements, the opportunity for language learning, consultancy and project management training, you will apply classroom learning to the world around you and hone the creative and analytical experience sought after by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, governments, and businesses.
What you’ll study
This program focuses on developing professional skills like consultancy, project management, cultural awareness, and critical analysis, essential for success in the international development sector. You'll have hands-on experiences, acting as a consultant for national or international organizations or pursuing traditional work placements. Your professional growth begins in the first term and continues throughout your journey.
Through interactive workshops, domestic and international field trips, independent research, collaborations, volunteering, language learning, consultancy, and project management training, you'll apply classroom learning to the real world, refining the creative and analytical skills sought by NGOs, charities, governments, and businesses.
Theories and Approaches to International Development (20 credit points)
This module serves as a theoretical introduction to the historical, political, and economic processes that have shaped patterns of international development. It critically considers ‘who gets what, when, where and how?’ with a focus on the causes and impact of underdevelopment in the Global South through a postcolonial lens. You will also explore alternative approaches that question neo-liberal economic policies and develop alternative visions and proposals for international development.
Gender and Difference in International Development (20 credit points)
This module delves into the complex interplay of gender, race, class, sexuality, caste, and discrimination in international development. It examines how international development can genderize roles, critically analyzing theoretical debates and national case studies to reveal the historical and contemporary treatment and portrayal of men and women in international discourse, impacting sustainable development goals.
International Development Research Methods (20 credit points)
This module teaches ethical research proposal development for international development. It covers research theory, sourcing quality materials, refining questions, ethics, and diverse research methods. Practical skills acquired prepare students for independent global research and addressing intercultural and ethical challenges in research.
Employability and Professional Identity (20 credit points)
This module focuses on planning, evaluating, and reviewing professional development in International Development. It involves work-based placements or consultancy projects to reflect critically on the skills and knowledge needed for this field. You'll develop and apply skills, including project management, while working with complex international development issues, either through a consultancy project or a traditional work placement.
Intercultural Communication (20 credit points)
In order to highlight the importance of cultural factors within international development, this module focuses on aspects of personal and community identities and how these can play a significant role in how development policies and practices are implemented and experienced.
Global Development and Environmental Breakdown (20 credit points)
In this module, you will take an in-depth look at international development's association and intersections with ecological issues such as climate change and the sixth mass extinction. You will critically reflect on capitalist development as a system oriented around boundless economic growth and material extraction and imaginatively engage with alternative visions for more socially inclusive and ecologically resilient modes of living and their applications to international development.
International Development Major Project (60 credit points)
This module enables independent research within International Development. It offers guidance on crafting a substantial, critical dissertation, covering research design, analysis, and writing. Workshops and individual supervision by knowledgeable staff facilitate the process. Topics should pertain to international development or have clear connections to the field, and collaboration with external organizations is an option.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Assessment
Assessment on the course involves book reviews, consultancy reports, essays, reflective blog posts and a dissertation. There are no formal examinations.
You will also prepare an assessed dissertation proposal as part of the research training element of the degree.
Fieldtrips
Fieldtrips will allow you to learn away from the classroom and to engage with institutions and experts in the field of international development. This could include a visit to Geneva to engage with the major institutions based there, including the World Health Organization, World Trade Organization and the Office of the United Nations’ High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Alternatively, a visit to Brussels could engage with the European Community’s Directorate General for Development and representatives from the governments of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) regions.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn another new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Careers and employability
Career development
You will engage in a minimum of 120 hours of practical learning. This includes the Chartered Management Institute's "Employability Bootcamp" and high-quality LinkedIn Learning Project Management courses, reinforced by in-class coaching and peer learning. There's an option for additional accredited Project Management training.
Graduates have gone on to work in posts in local, regional and national governments, intergovernmental organisations (including the UN and EC), multinational corporations (MNCs) and a range of development related non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Several international alumni have returned to positions working within government departments of their home countries.
100% of MA International Development students would recommend studying at NTU to others. Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2023
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent
Applications from candidates with non-standard entry qualifications will be considered on an individual basis if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.
All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- A UK honours (minimum 2.2) degree in a relevant subject
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for September 2024:
Course | Full-time Home (UK) tuition |
|---|---|
MA International Development | £9,700 |
* Please note that if you are considering a part-time route that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for Year One of study. The course fee for Year Two is subject to annual review.
Fees may be subject to change.
Alumni Discount
We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.
Scholarships are available for students who have been offered a place on this course for September 2024
Home (UK) students funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. Please take a look at our postgraduates’ guide funding page for information about sourcing grants, bursaries and scholarships, and much more.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Tuition fees for September 2024:
Course | Full time International and EU tuition |
|---|---|
MA International Development | £17,500 |
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your postgraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us?
Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide. You can apply for this course throughout the year. Most of our postgraduate and professional courses are popular and fill up quickly though, so apply as soon as you can.
Writing your application
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.
Keeping up to date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates’ guide. Here you’ll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more. Good luck with your application!
Getting in touch
If you need any more help or information, please contact us at Ask NTU or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.
Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.