Ranking
2nd
Area Studies in REF 2021
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Course overview
Looking to pursue a career in international development, or explore the field of African Studies? Gain enhanced knowledge of development studies, enriched with insights into African cultures and politics, for a degree that's customised to your interests.
You'll gain a nuanced perspective on Africa and its diasporas, preparing you for a career where you’ll be making a difference in the world. Get ready for diverse roles in the government or charity sectors, or to undertake further research.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
Be part of the University's Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) - a leading Area Studies department for research, ranked 2nd in the UK - and you’ll also benefit from the expertise of the International Development Department (IDD).
The Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) is ranked second among all Area Studies departments in the country for its performance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, according to Times Higher Education.
By studying MA Africa and Development, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Africa's cultural, political, and historical landscapes. This will shape your understanding of development studies, giving you a degree that’s truly interdisciplinary.
- Explore an extensive range of topics and tailor the programme to your specific areas of interest through your chosen optional modules.
- Join a diverse community of students from across the world who bring a wide range of perspectives to the study of Africa and International Development.
Taught by specialists with extensive experience in their fields.
The International Development Department has strong links with sponsors, donor agencies, governments and NGOs.
Learn about the latest research in our regular Africa Talks and Anthro Talks seminar series.
Expertise from academics who make a real impact
With over 60 years’ experience, you’re in capable hands when you join our DASA and IDD departments. Our staff are ready to share their expertise in anthropology, history, human geography, development, politics, popular culture and religion. What’s more, our International Development Department is ranked 3rd in the UK for research which impacts society (REF 2021) so you’ll learn from academics who produce research with a real-world impact.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in African studies, anthropology and international development.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 session
The following must be taken:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
| International Development | 20 |
| Research Methods in Anthropology and African Studies | 20 |
Students must choose 2 modules from each of the departments (DASA and IDD). All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run. Credits must be evenly balanced between semesters.
DASA options may include:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa | 20 |
| African Oralities in the Digital Age | 20 |
| Letting them Speak: Ethnographies of marginalisation | 20 |
| The Social Life of the Economy | 20 |
| Urban Africa | 20 |
| Zimbabwe since the Cold War: Decolonisation, Liberation and the International Community | 20 |
| Livelihoods and Development in Africa | 20 |
| Media and Popular Culture in Africa | 20 |
IDD options may include:
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a humanities or social science subject
You will need an Honours degree in humanities, social science or another relevant subject, normally at 2:1 or above. Relevant equivalent study and/or experience will also be accepted.
English language requirements
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:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
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.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in African Studies and Anthropology at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.
Our African Studies and Anthropology and International Development graduates enter many roles, including:
Civil Service
Immigration Advisor
Learning Delivery Officer
Livelihood Project Officer
Employers our African Studies and Anthropology or International Development graduates have worked for include:
Barnardos
Birmingham City Council
Raleigh International
International schools
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
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.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.