MSc Communication for Development

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

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 DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 12 month(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450 / year

Next Intake September-2026

MSc Communication for Development

About

Develop the knowledge and skills to support social change through communication with our MSc Communication for Development.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

The changing global communication landscape – information technologies, communication processes and communication opportunities – offer new ways to understand and improve how we can use communication to address livelihoods, reduce poverty, and support community development.

Through this programme, you’ll develop your understanding of how communication can support individual and social change and lead to more effective and dynamic development policy and programmes.

The practical application of communication in development is diverse, including areas such as:

agricultural extension and advisory services
communication and climate adaptation and resilience
communicating about healthand health promotion
facilitating, driving and enabling change
communication as a driver of rural development.

The MSc Communication for Development programme is particularly relevant for:

development practitioners who would like to use communication in their development practice
professionals who have, or are seeking, extension responsibilities
media and marketing professionals who would like to work in development communication
individuals working with communities on livelihoods and rural development projects
people working in the community health sector
those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development.

Choose MSc Communication for Development at the University of Reading

You will:

join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50.
build a critical understanding of communication for development theory and practise in the diverse contexts of international and local development.
strengthen your professional competence in the design, planning and management of communication interventions.
focus on the practical application of new knowledge and skills to support communication in social change.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in 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.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged to apply.

Evidence of prior experience in the sector may also be taken into consideration for all international development degrees.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance 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 motivation and interest in communication as a tool for change. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Your 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.

Language requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.

If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.

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

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

English Program Requirements

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

Career

Your MSc Communication for Development degree is excellent preparation for a career in international development, development communication, media and development, agricultural extension, and community development.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Our graduates

Read about Abeer El-Kayaty, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Senior Project Manager for Internews Europe, an international non-profit organisation that works to ensure access to trusted, quality information.
Read about Chrishane Williams, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Communications Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Read about Soledad Muñiz, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now Head of Innovation and Development at InsightShare, a community development organisation that aims to amplify unheard voices and bring people together to focus on change.
Read about Teuleala Manuella-Morris, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant working for the Secretariat for Pacific Community in Tuvalu.
Read about Nancy Samonte, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now Chief, Multimedia Division for the National Economic and Development Authority in Pasig City, Philippines.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 26,450

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

1. Check our entry requirements

Please see our postgraduate subject finder for minimum entry requirements for the programme you are interested in; entry requirements can vary from one programme to another. International students can consult our country-specific pages for information and guidance on alternative qualification equivalencies for master’s study.

If English is not your first language, you will also need to meet our English language requirements. You can find the IELTS requirements on each course page. We also accept a range of alternative English language qualifications.

If your English ability is not at the required standard, you can choose to apply for one of our Pre-sessional English programmes. The programmes will equip you with the study skills and preparation needed for academic study in English. The length of your Pre-sessional English programme is determined by your current level of English against the English language requirements of your chosen master’s programme.

2. Application and funding deadlines

Although most master’s programmes do not formally close for applications, some programmes do have application deadlines; if your programme has a deadline it will be specified on the course page under the ‘Entry requirements’ section. For programmes that do not have a specific application deadline, places may be limited and programmes may become full. We recommend that you apply as early as possible (particularly if you are an international student) to allow time not only for us to process your application, but for you to ensure that you can meet any offer conditions, arrange your accommodation and, importantly, funding for your studies. For admission in September, we do recommend that you apply by 1 August (if you are a UK applicant) and 1 July (if you are an international applicant requiring a visa to come to the UK) however, we are happy to still consider applications after these dates.

International applicants should also see our advice and guidance on visas and immigration.

Funding deadlines

We require an offer of study for many of our master’s scholarships and bursaries. You should check deadlines for applications carefully, and each scholarship or bursary will have specific application instructions. We may add scholarships throughout the year, so it is a good idea to re-visit our scholarships and bursaries page.

3. Submit your application

You can apply for master’s programmes directly through our online application system, RISIS. For our PGCE/Teacher Training programmes, applications must be made via the Department of Education's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training portal. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic confirmation.

Various documents are needed to make your application. You should electronically upload:

full transcripts of all degree programmes taken. If these are not in English, a certified translation into English is required. Please do not mail original copies; we only require PDF copies via electronic upload,
an English language certificate (for example IELTS or TOEFL), if English is not your first language (this can also be provided after you submit your application),
contact details for two academic/professional references. Your references will automatically be invited via email to upload their reference directly once you have submitted your application. Please remind your references to check their junk/spam filters for the email and let them know that the link to the form is only valid for 20 days,
statement of purpose. Your personal statement should outline your academic performance, interest in applying to master’s study, any relevant work experience and skills gained,
a copy of your passport (for international students).

Application fee

We do not charge an application fee to apply for our master’s programmes.

4. Track your application

You can track the progress of your application using our applicant portal, Me@Reading, a personalised resource including information about your programme of study, student stories and what's happening here at Reading. It has everything you need to know, all in one place. When we have made a decision on your application, we will contact you via email. If we are able to make you an offer for a place to study, your offer will contain information about what to do next, including how to accept your offer, pay a deposit (if applicable), and any conditions you must meet to study with us.