MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom , Manchester

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,500 / year

Next Intake January-2026

MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)

About

Join a university ranked second in the UK and 7th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
Gain an understanding of human resource development strategies and development tools and build organisational and community capabilities. 
Understand the role of international organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives

MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) will enable you to critically understand the role of human resource development (HRD) in supporting economic and social advancement, through the improvement of public services and the education of individuals, organisations and communities.

It aims to develop your critical appreciation of globalisation processes, policy initiatives and development management plans to support skills development, competitiveness and human capabilities, including development issues associated with eradicating gender inequalities, fostering human wellbeing and maintaining sustainable livelihoods.

You will gain greater professional understanding of HRD strategies and development tools to support skill and knowledge acquisition and build organisation and community capabilities.

Our focus on developing human knowledge and skills will enable you to appreciate how education supports skills development.

You will also acquire knowledge of the role of international organisations (through governments and MNCs) such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives.

There is a strong emphasis on acquiring cross-cultural leadership knowledge, relevant for many social change and development projects in the public sector, or in the private sector, MNCs, NGOs or international organisations like the World Bank.

The course is ideal for individuals of any professional background in international organisations, public administration, transnational organisations and private sector companies who are involved in the HRD, leadership and capacity planning aspects of organisations in low and middle-income countries.

Disciplines

Master of Science (MSc)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.

When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Full entry requirements

English Program Requirements

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

This programme accepts successful completion of the 6- and 10-week pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course:

Pre-sessional 6-week course requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic 6.5 Overall with 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.0 in Listening and Reading OR IELTS UKVI or Academic 7.0 Overall with 6.5 in Writing or Speaking and no other sub-skill below 6.0

TOEFL iBT 90 Overall with 22 in Writing and Speaking, and 20 in Listening and Reading OR TOEFL iBT 100 Overall with 22 in Writing or Speaking, and no other sub-skill below 20

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 70 Overall with 70 in Writing and Speaking, and 65 in Listening and Reading OR Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 76 Overall with 70 in Writing or Speaking and no other sub-skill below 65

Pre-sessional 10-week course requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic 6.5 Overall with no sub-skill below 6.0

TOEFL iBT 90 Overall with no sub-skill below 20

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 70 Overall with no sub-skill below 65

Career

Career opportunities

This course is unique as it demonstrates understanding of institutional human resource development (HRD) practices within the context of globalisation, social change and economic development.

Graduates acquire relevant development, HRD, leadership and education knowledge for directing culture and social change.

Teaching and research at the Global Development Institute covers a wide variety of topics and as a result our students can be found in a range of jobs and careers.

Our teaching aims to support students from all backgrounds to acquire valuable knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve their educational and professional goals.

It includes regular contributions from researchers and practitioners with a view to equip our students to make a positive difference in their chosen sphere.

NGOs and third-sector organisations

Our teaching and research aims are suited to work in non-government and civil society organisations where you take on a range of roles from policy advisors, project managers, HR and communications staff.

Our alumni can be found at large international NGOs like Oxfam as well as in many smaller organisations.

Government and policy

Graduates can be found in national governments, multilateral organisations and policy influencing positions around the world, in organisations including DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants around the world.

Private sector

Our focus on how businesses and the private sector can play a role in development enables you to gain employment in multinational organisations, private sector firms or to start your own organisations addressing some of the biggest global challenges.

Research and teaching

Our master's courses provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for further study.

Alumni find employment in research and teaching positions at universities and research institutes around the world. Top employers include:

African Union;
Oxfam;
Inter-American Development Bank;
Care;
Mercy Corps;
The British Council;
the World Bank;
the Department for International Development;
United Nations;
USAID.

Find out more about our alumni and some of our notable former students .

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provides specialist resources, advice and events to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK.

After your course, you'll join our 10,000 strong alumni network .

We'll keep you up to date with all the new insights and implications from our research.

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country.

It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe here .