International Development MSc
16 Months Full-Time | January Start

This course examines a wide range of subjects such as conflict and security, civil society and non-government organisations (NGOs), the impacts of rising economic power, gender, the environment and resource conflicts, advocacy and citizenship.

On graduation you will be able to understand and critically engage with key development theories, tools and techniques, including participatory methodologies, rights-based approaches and monitoring and evaluation strategies.

This course is delivered via interactive workshops, involving a mixture of small group discussion, lectures, and seminar activities, which are further supported by networking and placement opportunities.

The assessment methods utilised on this course have been specifically developed to prepare you for employment, and incorporate the writing of funding bids, policy briefs, and academic poster presentations. Traditional essays and a dissertation also form part of the assessment process.

If you choose to do a placement, you will have the opportunity to develop your own real-world research project together with a development organisation.

This course is delivered by a team of internationally-recognised academics with extensive experience in international development research and practice across the global South.

Our staff research specialisms and diverse range of national and international practitioner links will further enhance your learning experience.

In addition to the teaching delivered by our team, you will have the opportunity to attend guest lectures and seminars with experts who are currently working within the industry, and who will share their first-hand experience of what it’s like to work in the sector.

The MSc International Development is embedded in the Centre for International Development which provides additional opportunities for real-world engagement with key organisations and individuals.

When studying the MSc International Development course you will be part of the Centre for International Development ; a vibrant, multidisciplinary virtual research centre that provides an engaging, supportive and research-rich learning environment.

The Centre brings together academics, practitioners and students to promote research, consultancy, teaching, training and public engagement on issues of global poverty and inequality, the communities and individuals who experience this, and the policies, practices and approaches that seek to address it.

Technology is embedded throughout all areas of this course. Learning materials such as module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists are available via our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard. You can also access student support and other key University systems through your personal account.

When studying the MSc International Development course you will benefit from our multidisciplinary teaching team’s cutting-edge research experience which they bring into the classroom through case studies, problem-solving activities and group discussion.

Research is integrated into all aspects of teaching and each member of our team boasts their own individual specialisms, in subjects such as environmental governance and development; natural resource conflicts, including anti-mining activism; public engagement and development education; cosmopolitanism and global citizenship; wellbeing and development; international volunteering; transnationalism, migrant mobilities and their impacts on development. Staff research expertise spans Africa, Asia and Latin America.

All members of the MSc International Development teaching team are internationally recognised academics who publish in high impact international journals and regularly receive research funding from prestigious organisations such as the ESRC, the British Academy, the Leverhulme Trust and the Newton Fund.

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research projects to further aid your learning and will have the opportunity to engage with development organisations such as Traidcraft, Team Kenya, and COCO, as well as development NGOs working in India and Latin America.

“Our relationship with the MSc International Development programme at Northumbria University gives COCO the opportunity to tap into the minds of students who are up to speed on current development thinking and possess the drive and determination to help us expand our research.”

Lucy Philipson, CEO of COCO

This course has been designed to enhance your employability in international development practice, and you’ll be offered bespoke career support. 

Throughout your studies you will engage in real-world research and problem-solving, developing the practical skills required for a successful career in this sector. You’ll have the option to base your dissertation on field work, providing you with industry contacts and valuable experience of international development in a real-world environment.

Our graduates are able to work in a broad range organisations such as charities and third sector organisations, UK and international government agencies, NGOs and international organisations. They may also wish to pursue careers in research, consultancy or to launch their own NGO. Continuing on to doctoral study and a career in academia is also an option.

Former graduates have gone on to work for national and international organisations including Barnardo’s, Leprosy Mission, International Service, UTSAAH Initiative, the Barzani Charity Foundation, or they have set up their own NGOs, while others have taken up PhD studies.