Global Development

Entry requirements

We recommend that you hold a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working in a development agency (international or local), in either a paid or voluntary capacity, prior to starting this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Months of entry

October

Course content

The world is at a turning point. In these times of uncertainty and change, this MSc in Global Development equips you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills, to investigate, analyse, evaluate and respond to the major global challenges of our times.

Studying on this innovative, interdisciplinary and flexible course involves critically examining development theory, policy and practice across a range of contexts. You'll have the opportunity to explore six major issues: migration, socio-economic security, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, the global politics of development, and the politics of doing development. You’ll also deepen your understanding of the issues of most interest to you by examining them through four cross-cutting challenges: conflict, governance, justice, and transformation. This will lay the foundation for undertaking your own independent research project. Supported by a dedicated supervisory team you will examine a development topic of your choice, deepening your knowledge, enhancing your skills and finding ways to have impact in a world of change, whilst helping you to achieve your own personal and professional goals.

Overall, the MSc will enable you to build in-depth knowledge and understanding of key development issues, ideas and debates as well as an advanced capacity for critical and reflexive thinking, independent study and research, and collective dialogue and action.

Information for international students

This qualification can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Fees and funding

For more information about fees and funding, please visit The Open University website.