Tackle global peace and conflict issues. This course will prepare you to support and create peaceful governance in conflict areas by engaging with critical debates on accountability, human rights, and democratisation.
Gain practical and academic expertise for impactful careers in international development, government, or NGOs. You'll benefit from international fieldwork, flexible modules, and strong academic support, equipping you to lead in conflict analysis, good governance, and international risk management.
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for Home students. You will study 3 core modules completed by 3 to 4 optional modules as well as a mandatory dissertation.
Begin the first semester with a 20-credit core module exploring key development theories, focusing on the economic, social, and political aspects of international development. Apply these theories to contemporary case studies, developing a critical understanding of development practices. Complement this with a combination of optional modules from the International Development, Politics, and International Relations areas. Assessments will include coursework, written exams, and case studies.
This course stands out for its international focus on developing countries, interdisciplinary approach, and integration of academic rigor with practical application. You'll benefit from overseas fieldwork, a highly regarded International Development Department, and strong academic support. The flexible programme, taught by expert faculty, accommodates diverse backgrounds and prepares you for impactful careers in conflict analysis, governance, and international risk management. Join a vibrant, global community and gain the skills and connections needed to excel in NGOs, government agencies, and international organisations.
International Development Department ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts on society (REF 2021)
Teaching and learning methods include short lectures, problem solving, role play and group work, self-directed research, policy-documented and practical work amongst others.
The programme is composed of three 20-credit core modules completed by 60 credits selected from our list of optional modules. To complete this and graduate with the 180 credits that will award you the MSc, you will have to undertake a 60-credit dissertation work.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
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Year: 1 The following must be taken:
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You must then choose 60 credits from the list of IDD or POLSIS modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Gender and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Democracy, Dictatorship and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development Cooperation Beyond Aid | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Policy and Politics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Development Projects and Programmes | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Development in Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Environment and Sustainable Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Governance for Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Resource Development Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Human Resource Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Making Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| NGOs and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Poverty, Inequality and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Public Financial Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Management and Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Sector Reform | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Rural Poverty and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urban Poverty + Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Economic Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
or its equivalent in a relevant field
Standard Entry Requirements:
For those whose first language is not English, an IELTS Certificate is required.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
This programme provides a framework for exploring academic synergies and for students to undertake genuinely interdisciplinary study. Students leaving this programme will be academically well-trained but also be in a position to undertake careers in conflict analysis, good governance and management in the developing world. This offers careers in NGOs, Government agencies and international organisations as well as organisations concerned with international risk and business within conflict areas.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
