The MSc Global Development Management offers you the chance to learn the key skills and to develop an informed and critical stance on the challenges facing the development sector.

Over the year, and across three core modules, you’ll develop a rigorous and deep critique of the ways NGOs and other agencies work, and the political contexts of development. 

If you are seeking to start or advance a career in development and humanitarian management, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to the way the sector works, from planning to critical issues affecting the sector. You will gain a strong conceptual understanding of key debates and issues in international development, together with technical skills in project design and management.

Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.

ABOUT

Practical issues are at the heart of this MSc. You will consistently benefit from research-led teaching, ensuring you encounter the latest thinking in the field. Research in UEA’s School of International Development (Global Development from 1 August 2023) is focused on addressing contemporary challenges in developing and transitioning economies via disciplinary and multi-interdisciplinary approaches. Within the programme you will be supported to develop complementary specialist areas of interests, and choose module options from a range of disciplines including economics, agricultural policy, environmental justice, climate change, gender and education.

A Development Work Placement is a strongly recommended option in the summer semester, and an alternative to a dissertation. You’ll work with a relevant organisation, writing an extended analytical report on your experience. This will give you a chance to reflect on and apply the ideas and concepts you’ve learnt so far by looking at humanitarian issues, the results agenda, project management systems and key topics in your chosen placement organisation.

Teaching and Learning

You’ll learn through lectures and seminars. Your lectures will go beyond the customary “chalk-and-talk” approach, and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g. through statistical programmes). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.

Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll be able to develop essential transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting academic information in a lucid and cogent manner.