Development Practice (M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip.)

Course Overview

The one-year Development Practice programme encompasses an integrated theoretical and practical approach with multidisciplinary training in four ‘pillars’ – health, natural, social, and management sciences. Thirteen core academic modules provide rigorous training across the core pillars, complemented by Masters-level training in research design, methodology, and methods, including training in leading edge quantitative, qualitative, and digital tools and techniques. The programme includes a work-based or research placement which provide hands-on practical experience for students, often in international Development NGOs and international intergovernmental organisations. This programme trains a new generation of development practitioners with the skills to implement and manage comprehensive approaches to sustainable international development.

The degree is led by the Trinity College Dublin School of Natural Sciences and delivered by staff from all faculties across the university, in collaboration with leading scientific researchers, and national and international organisations with specialist skills.

Applicants must have achieved a first or upper second-class Honours degree (3.5 GPA equivalent) awarded by a reputable university or third-level institution, or a recognised awarding body (such as the NCEA).

In exceptional cases applicants with a lower grade in their primary degree will be considered if they have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their practical work in the field of international development through their work for government or inter or non-governmental organizations.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Applicants for the Trinity International Foundation Programme require IELTS 5.0 overall, with 5.0 in Writing and no band below 4.5.

Applicants for all Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes must present one of the following English language qualifications.

The course enables students to pursue their career interests in an array of areas in international development. Graduates of this course are in high demand from international organisations such as the Global Business Initiative on Human Rights, Economics and Social Research Institute, World Food Programme (UN), US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Washington DC, Oxfam, United Nations Global Impact, PwC Ireland, Trócaire, New York League of Conservation Voters, KPMG, Board Bia, and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and X (formerly known as Twitter) and various other government departments and non-government organisations.