MSc Applied International Development

Start date: September 2022

Study the theory and practise of international and community development with our MSc Applied International Development master’s degree.

This programme will develop your understanding of the theoretical frameworks needed for analysis of social change brought about by planned development interventions.

Choose MSc Applied International Development at the University of Reading

You will:

• join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 – Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 12th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
• develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the complex factors that influence effective planned interventions for positive development outcomes – a requirement for working within the international development sector.
• explore development issues at international and community levels.
• apply the analysis of development through policy and practise.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

MSc Applied International Development pathways

This degree is suitable for graduates from any discipline and allows you to design your own programme based on your personal and professional interests.

Study pathways include:

• Agricultural and Social Development
• Social Policy and Sustainable Livelihoods
• Development Policy and Planning
• Social and Economic Development
• Law and Development

 

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.
Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.

You will have the option to select modules outside of your chosen pathway, and receive module guidance from our programme coordinators at the start of the year to ensure your choices – and your pathway – fully reflects your learning needs and career aspirations.

You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

• interactive learning methods
• seminars
• lectures
• tutorials
• participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
• field trips.

You will have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

 

 

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally with upper second-class or above (or equivalent from an internationally recognised university outside the UK). Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged to apply.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance their career prospects by acquiring further skills. 
For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

Your personal statement

In your personal statement, you will need to demonstrate why you are interested in international development. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

The personal statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies.

Your MSc Applied International Development degree will strengthen your professional competence in the design, implementation and critical evaluation of international development. These will help improve your employability for governmental or non-governmental development agencies, as well as for research, consultancy and the private sector.

 

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.