What will I learn?

Our MSc in International Development allows you to explore the challenges facing developing and developed countries in the fight against global poverty, as well as to understand the promise and problems of proposed approaches to poverty reduction.

You will explore theories of development in historical context from 1945 up to the present day in a single compulsory module. The theories are then applied to contemporary development approaches and issues. Throughout, the emphasis is on you developing a critical understanding of the evolution of development theories over the last half century and its implications for present day thinking about development.

You can then select the remaining five modules to suit your own needs and interests. You could, for example, take modules in rural and urban poverty reduction, on conflict and development or gender and development. You could also take modules on project management, disaster management or governance. Many other modules are also available to choose from.

Each programme is taught by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists who work closely with you to address individual interests and concerns. Every student is allocated an academic tutor to support you in your academic progress throughout the year. The department has a long history of teaching students from across the world, and recent students have come from 99 different countries and a wide variety of professional and academic backgrounds.

The International Development Department is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments and NGOs. Study with us to benefit from:

Expertise in key issues and skills valued by employers
A vibrant, welcoming community
Individual overseas fieldwork or study visit included in fees (on-campus programmes)
Flexible programmes and a wide choice of modules (part-time students also welcome)
A diverse and international student body
Strong support in study and English language skills

Employability

The knowledge and skills gained in the programme will equip graduates for jobs in international, national and local government and non-governmental organizations, think tanks and consultancies.

Which department am I in?

International Development Department

Study options

Full Time (12 months)

Tuition fees

拢25,290.00 (US$ 32,660) per year

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please

Start date

September 2025

Venue

University of Birmingham

Edgbaston,

Birmingham,

B15 2TT, CENTRAL ENGLAND, England

Entry requirements

For international students

An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2) or A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience. Adequate capacity in written and spoken English. Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate's work experience can also be taken into consideration. Students need to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band is equivalent to: TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing; Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills; Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.