Life at GIIDAE

As a full-time postgraduate student, we will help you settle in with a 'welcome' meeting in Freshers' week in which the structure of the courses are fully explained and guidance is offered on your choice of optional modules. There is also an opportunity to meet some of the graduating students from the year before and ask all the questions that you don't want to ask the staff!

The total postgraduate student body is usually around 80 to 100 students from all corners of the world (in 2010/11 there were students from 31 different countries) so it is easy to get to know your fellow students and you are highly likely to find someone else from your home country. Students range from recent graduates to those who are looking for a mid-career break and an opportunity to put their practical experience into an academic context.

There is plenty of group work, which will involve you in working closely with your fellow students. Throughout the year, there are parties and a graduation party in December.

Comments from recent GIIDAE graduates include the following:

• "The very mixed group of students of all ages, nationalities and levels of experience is very good preparation for the interdisciplinary world of development."
• "Academically you're provided with a sound understanding of development that you can apply as both an experienced development professional or as an individual building a career in the world of development."
• "I found a genuine international focus in participation, knowledge and experience that ensures truly relevant cultural perspectives and course content ….. to my great relief, a world away (literally) from text-book development!"
• "Studying at Reading is a unique opportunity for meeting new people, making good friends and learning more about different cultures and traditions."
• "The international mix of the course gave me great opportunities to learn so much more from people from other countries and with other experiences."