Institute of Development Studies

MA Development Studies

This one year Masters (MA) course in Development Studies provides a solid grounding in international development concepts, theories and approaches. Students are equipped with the analytical and practical skills they need to engage critically in development issues and debates from a interdisciplinary perspective, and to work across broad areas of development policy, research and practice.

Coming from diverse cultures and backgrounds and with a broad range of career histories, students who successfully complete the MA in Development Studies can expect to:

• Understand the main development theories, concepts and debates in their historical and contemporary context, and apply this knowledge in their professional work
• Engage in an informed and critical way, in particular with political science, economics, sociology and anthropology
• Approach development problems with confidence and knowledge and have the ability to work collaboratively with others to identify solutions to global development challenges.

For other IDS courses, please see our list of Postgraduate programmes. 

Full programme for 2012 MA Development Studies (pdf)

Assessment

Progress is assessed through term papers as well as shorter essays, practical coursework, individual or group student presentations, and in some cases examinations. Students write a final dissertation of 10,000 or 20,000 words, based upon a substantial piece of secondary work and, in some cases, short periods of field work.

Entry Requirements

A good honours degree in a social science discipline, and relevant experience in development-related work. Applicants from developed countries should normally have acquired relevant experience in a developing country context. The minimum acceptable level of English language competence is grade 7 overall, and no less than 6.5 in each section of the IELTS test (or equivalent).

Fees, funding and how to apply 

For further information, contact: Programme Officer, James Prescott.

Phone: +44 (0)1273 915647, email: j.prescott@ids.ac.uk