- Join a university ranked second in the UK and seventh in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
- Benefit from a wide range of options for advanced training in areas of specialist expertise relevant to global development.
- Gain the skills necessary to analyse different perspectives on global development.
- Develop critical insights into the key strategies, policies and practices to promote global development.
MSc Global Development
University Rank:#35
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Duration1 year(s)
Tuition FeeGBP 40,528 / Year
Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
MSc Global Development
About
MSc Global Development offers a coherent and interdisciplinary grounding in the core aspects of development theory, policy and practice.
The course is designed for social science graduates, or for those working in a wide range of development organisations both internationally and in the Global South.
It aims to blend theory and practice and seeks to explain policy behaviour through an integrated approach, drawing on a range of disciplinary perspectives.
MSc Global Development is both a course in its own right and an umbrella structure that houses a range of more specialised master's courses, each of which explores a key dimension of global development under four broad thematic headings:
- global political economy;
- governance and management;
- poverty and inequality;
- the environment.
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.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 5.5
- TOEFLMin 72
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-weeks 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
Career
Career opportunities
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 FCDO, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants.
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.
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.
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
40,528 / year
MSc Global Development
The University of Manchester
United Kingdom, Manchester