Development Policy and Politics MSc
- Ranking#1Most targeted by UK employers
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2025Duration12 months full time, 24 months part time (part time options only available to UK students)
- AwardMaster of Science
- Entry requirementsUpper 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
- Fees£11,740 (full-time) / £5,870 (part-time)
Page contents
Course overview
Tackle the political drivers of development. Our course prepares you to address global challenges through in-depth training in political economy, governance, and aid politics. Benefit from overseas fieldwork, flexible modules, and expert support within a diverse, international community.
Prepare to tackle global political development challenges. Gain practical insights and academic rigor to influence policies and foster sustainable change worldwide, supported by a team of multi-disciplinary specialists and vibrant international community.
Course Structure
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.
Students will take a combination of 60 credits of compulsory/optional modules across various areas of International Development. Examinations will take place throughout the term as courseworks.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Our MSc Development Policy and Politics integrates theory with practical application in political development. Featuring international fieldwork as part of the curriculum, flexible module options, and robust academic support, the programme will prepare you for influential roles in global governance and development. With a strong emphasis on real-world impact and comprehensive training, the course stands out as a premier choice for those aspiring to address complex global challenges through informed policy and practice.
- Integrates theory with practical application in political development.
- Includes international fieldwork opportunities as part of the curriculum.
- Offers flexible module options to suit your specific and diverse academic interests.
- Ranked 3rd
International Development Department in the UK for research which impacts on society (REF 2021)
Course delivery
Teaching will utilise a range of learning methods, including short lectures, problem solving, role play and group work.
- Lectures: Academics give organised talks to large groups of students who take notes, less interactive.
- Seminars: Small group sessions designed to complement lectures and are generally more informal in nature. They give you the chance to discuss issues with fellow students and allow for more interaction than a traditional lecture.
- Workshops: Workshops are for smaller groups, but instead of discussion, students might learn about a tool or a technique that they will be required to know about for their course. They are usually more hands-on learning that allow discussion regarding the given topic.
Module information
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 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.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LM Development Policy and Politics | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Dissertation (International Development) | 60 | Semester 2 |
LM International Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
Students must choose one of the following two modules:
Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
LM Democracy, Dictatorship and Development | 08 36014 | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students need to choose 40 credits from the following options:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Gender and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Conflict and Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Development Cooperation Beyond Aid | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Development Projects and Programmes | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Development in Practice | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Disability and Inclusive Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Environment and Sustainable Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Governance for Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Grand Strategy | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Human Resource Development Policy | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Human Resource Management and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Making Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Post Conflict Reconstruction & Development | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Public Financial Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Public Management and Leadership | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Public Sector Reform | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM U21 Advanced International Study | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Urban Poverty + Policy | 20 | Semester 2 |
Public Economic Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules from the School of Government and Society are also available (subject to departmental policies). See the module choices in the Department of Political Science and International Studies and Institute of Local Government Studies as follows:
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.
- Upper 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
Or Lower 2:1 Honours degree with excellent work experience
Standard Entry Requirements:
- 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.
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
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
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.
Application Fee
For international applicants this programme is subject to a £50 non-refundable application fee. At the end of the application form, before you can submit it to us, you will be required to pay, or indicate how you will pay the required fee in order for us to process your application. Please complete and submit your application before paying your application fee.
Personal Statement
Entry to this programme is highly competitive and as a result your application and personal statement will be closely scrutinised by our Admissions Tutors. Please ensure that you spend some time familiarising yourself with the programme modules and outcomes. Personal Statements should be relevant to the programme and how you believe it will enable you to achieve your career goals.
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
Discover our MSc in Development Policy and Politics to delve into competing development theories and political systems in developing countries. Develop critical skills in analysing complex political and economic relationships, preparing for careers in global governance, international development, NGOs, and policy analysis. Enjoy enriched student experiences with funded participation in diverse events and activities offered by the School of Government.
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.