MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy)

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy)

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 Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy)

About

Join a university ranked second in the UK and seventh in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
Discover the many ways that politics is critical to the success of development.
Explore a topic taking centre stage on the international development agenda.
Examine the 'lived' or 'real' politics in the global South and the dynamics underpinning change.

MSc Global Development with Politics, Governance and Development Policy examines the obstacles to, and pathways towards, more legitimate, democratic and pro-poor forms of governance at global, national and local levels - a topic that is currently centre-stage on the international development agenda.

The course interrogates the discursive paradigms and material interventions in the area of politics and governance, which has moved to the centre of the international development agenda since the late 1980s.

It is therefore ideal if you're interested in the many ways that politics is critical to the success of development and would like to examine the 'lived' or 'real' politics in the global South and the dynamics underpinning change.

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, your academic references 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-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-weeks 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 DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants globally.

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.

View the alumni networks already operating across the globe: Meet alumni near you .