International Development

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in economics, history, geography, politics or international relations.

In your application you will need to provide a max. 500 word personal statement in your own words which should explain:

(a) Why you wish to undertake a Master of Research and the interests and skills you particularly hope to develop on the course.

(b) Your research interests - please be specific.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Study the advanced research skills and techniques needed to analyse data and draw in-depth insights. You’ll do this in the context of international development.

You’ll study a range of key international development issues with a core focus on the in-depth methods and approaches to quantitative and qualitative research. This will allow you to gain the essential skills needed to progress your studies or become a working researcher in the fields of international development and development studies.

You’ll enhance your understanding of the techniques used in the analysis of large-scale data and how to effectively present key insights and findings.

Alongside developing your research skills, you will enhance your understanding of:

• the formulation and implementation of social and economic research principles, both generally in development and in a given developing context
• the history and culture of international development thinking, co-operation and its institutions

This course is designed to provide high-quality training to potential doctoral students, as well as essential research skills that are desirable in a number of private and public sector roles.

Why choose a Master of Research (MRes) degree

An MRes is a master’s degree with a focus on research. The knowledge and expertise you’ll gain will prepare you for doctoral study and a range of non-academic careers that require strong research skills.

Find out more about why an MRes might be right for you.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This MRes is recognised by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP). It can be taken as a course in its own right, or if you hold an SWDTP studentship you can take the 1+3 (MRes + PhD) pathway.

If you wish to be considered for a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, then you must apply for your preferred PhD route and not the stand-alone MRes. You should follow our how to apply guidelines.

For those holding a 1+3 SWDTP studentship, progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on an acceptable level of achievement.

Read more about other funding that you may be eligible for.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in international development and development studies. Their passion, knowledge and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.

Gain important career skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study.

This includes advanced quantitative and qualitative research skills, and bibliographic skills; and the use of appropriate technology to undertake tasks that use these skills.

Career prospects

There is increasing demand for high-level quantitative and qualitative research skills from a wide range of private and public sector recruiters.

Many firms and government departments are now committed to data-driven decision-making, making use of the increased availability of big data.

This course will equip you with a hybrid skill set that combines quantitative, computing and analytical skills with an understanding of international development research and enquiry.

This MRes also equips you to go into further study at PhD level.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities.