Program Overview
The MSc International Development by distance learning equips students with knowledge and skills in development theory and practice, emphasizing critical analysis and tailorability to individual interests. The program offers a choice of optional modules, including Development in Practice, Conflict and Development, and Disability and Development, and culminates in a dissertation for MSc students. Delivered online with a blended learning approach, the program supports students with administrative, academic, and pastoral care, fostering a vibrant online community.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The MSc International Development by distance learning is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international development theory and practice. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address development challenges in a global context. The program emphasizes critical reflection on the effectiveness of development interventions and encourages students to tailor their learning to their individual interests and career aspirations.
Objectives:
- To familiarize students with key concepts and theories of international development, including modernization, dependency, neo-liberalism, and the "crisis" in development theory.
- To encourage students to critically examine development theories and their application in practice.
- To provide students with a flexible program that allows them to choose modules that align with their individual interests and career aspirations.
Outline:
The program is structured around a compulsory module and a choice of five optional modules.
Compulsory Module:
- International Development (20 credits): This module critically examines development theories and their application.
Optional Modules:
- Conflict and Development (20 credits)
- Development in Practice (20 credits)
- Development Politics (20 credits)
- Disability and Development (20 credits)
- Development Projects and Programmes (20 credits)
- Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (20 credits)
- Social Analysis of Poverty and Development (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits, MSc only):
- Students pursuing the MSc degree are required to complete a dissertation, which involves in-depth research on a chosen topic.
- The program recommends desk-based research for distance learning students.
- The dissertation work is preceded by a two-week online research methods module (non-accredited).
Course Schedule:
- The program begins with a two-week online induction module (non-accredited).
- Each module takes 11 weeks to complete, with guided online discussions.
- The course is assumed to be part-time, and students study one module at a time.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Online discussion activities: Students engage in group discussions within the virtual learning environment.
- Individual reading and reflection: Students are expected to engage in independent study and critical reflection on the course material.
- Assignments: Students complete written assignments to demonstrate their understanding of the course content.
- Dissertation: MSc students complete a dissertation, which is assessed based on research methodology, analysis, and presentation of findings.
Teaching:
- The program utilizes a blended learning approach, combining online learning with traditional teaching methods.
- Students have access to the University's extensive e-library, containing e-journals, e-books, and databases.
- Where key readings and textbooks are not available electronically, hard copies are mailed to students.
- The program provides specific support for developing a dissertation proposal prior to starting the dissertation project.
- The program emphasizes strong administrative, academic, and pastoral support for students.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc International Development program have gone on to work in a variety of development agencies, including:
- NGOs (local and international)
- Civil society organizations
- Government departments
- UN agencies The program's curriculum equips students with transferable skills that are highly valued in other sectors, such as:
- Academia
- Civil service
- Business
- Armed forces
Other:
- The program is associated with the International Development Department (IDD), which is well-regarded internationally by sponsors, donor agencies, governments, and NGOs.
- The program benefits from the expertise of faculty members who are recognized leaders in their fields.
- The program fosters a vibrant and welcoming online community of students, many of whom have extensive experience working in development.
- The program is flexible and ideal for students who are working or have other commitments that make it difficult to participate in a campus-based program.
- The program offers specialist pathways in Conflict, Security and Development and Poverty, Inequality and Development.
