MSc Applied International Development
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Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Study the theory and practice of international and community development with our MSc Applied International Development master’s degree.
This programme will develop your understanding of the theoretical frameworks needed for analysis of social change brought about by planned development interventions.
Choose MSc Applied International Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the complex factors that influence effective planned interventions for positive development outcomes – a requirement for working within the international development sector.
- explore development issues at international and community levels.
- apply the analysis of development through policy and practise.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the 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.
MSc Applied International Development pathways
This degree is suitable for graduates from any discipline and allows you to design your own programme based on your personal and professional interests.
Study pathways include:
- Agricultural and Social Development
- Social Policy and Sustainable Livelihoods
- Development Policy and Planning
- Social and Economic Development
- Law and Development
Your learning environment
You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.
Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.
You will have the option to select modules outside of your chosen pathway, and receive module guidance from our programme coordinators at the start of the year to ensure your choices – and your pathway – fully reflects your learning needs and career aspirations.
You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term.
Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.
Learning occurs across a variety of:
- interactive learning methods
- seminars
- lectures
- tutorials
- participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
- field trips.
You will have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc Applied International Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).
GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.
- GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
- Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
- Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Overview
Study the theory and practice of international and community development with our MSc Applied International Development master’s degree.
This programme will develop your understanding of the theoretical frameworks needed for analysis of social change brought about by planned development interventions.
Choose MSc Applied International Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
- develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the complex factors that influence effective planned interventions for positive development outcomes – a requirement for working within the international development sector.
- explore development issues at international and community levels.
- apply the analysis of development through policy and practise.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the 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.
MSc Applied International Development pathways
This degree is suitable for graduates from any discipline and allows you to design your own programme based on your personal and professional interests.
Study pathways include:
- Agricultural and Social Development
- Social Policy and Sustainable Livelihoods
- Development Policy and Planning
- Social and Economic Development
- Law and Development
Learning
Your learning environment
You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.
Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.
You will have the option to select modules outside of your chosen pathway, and receive module guidance from our programme coordinators at the start of the year to ensure your choices – and your pathway – fully reflects your learning needs and career aspirations.
You can also choose to undertake an optional placement during the summer term.
Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.
Learning occurs across a variety of:
- interactive learning methods
- seminars
- lectures
- tutorials
- participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
- field trips.
You will have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics
As an MSc Applied International Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).
GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.
- GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
- Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.
- Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.
Entry requirements
IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)
Entry requirements
Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (ideally 2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged to apply.
Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance their 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 why you are interested in international development. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.
The personal 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.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
IDM012 | Gender and Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM013 | Participatory interventions in development | PROF Peter Dorward |
IDM071 | Research and study skills for independent learning | PROF Julian Park |
IDM072 | Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics) | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM095 | Theories and Practices of Development | MS Reham Elmorally |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
IDM009 | Development Finance | PROF Chittur Srinivasan |
IDM045 | Principles of Communication Design for Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM063 | Macroeconomics for Developing Countries | DR Neha Hui |
IDM066 | Communication and Innovation in Development | DR Sarah Cardey |
IDM070 | Microeconomics for Developing Countries | DR Neha Hui |
IDM075 | Microfinance | DR Neha Hui |
IDM077 | Food Security and Development | DR Samuel Poskitt |
IDM082 | The Economics of Financial Markets | DR Tho Pham |
IDM089 | Personal and Professional Development Programme for International Students | DR Georgia Koromila |
IDM096 | Addressing Poverty and Inequality through Social Policy | DR Henny Osbahr |
IDM098 | Global Issues in Nutrition and Health | DR Mondira Bhattacharya |
IDM099 | Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development | DR Andrew Ainslie |
IDM100 | Communication Planning and Processes | DR Sarah Cardey |
APMA101 | Business Planning and Control | DR Yiorgos Gadanakis |
APMA102 | Ecosystem Services | DR Yuan Pan |
APMA103 | Rethinking Agricultural Development (including Horticulture): Implementing Solutions | DR Andrew Ainslie |
APMA41 | Agriculture in the Tropics | DR Andrew Daymond |
APMA90 | Climate change and food systems | DR Jake Bishop |
APME40 | Qualitative Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
APME61 | Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects | PROF Chittur Srinivasan |
APME67 | Food Policy | DR Giuseppe Nocella |
APME71 | Econometrics | PROF Kelvin Balcombe |
APME72 | Agricultural Project Planning and Management in Developing Countries | PROF Chittur Srinivasan |
APME75 | Energy, Climate Change and Development | DR Nick Bardsley |
APME76 | Resource and Environmental Economics | DR Sanzidur Rahman |
APME77 | Environmental Economics | DR Sanzidur Rahman |
APME84 | Introductory Statistics and Econometrics | PROF Kelvin Balcombe |
APME85 | Quantitative Marketing Research Methods | DR Giacomo Zanello |
LWMCIL | Contemporary Issues in International Law | DR Alex Gilder |
LWMHRL | Human Rights Law, Policy, and Practice | DR Steve Samuel |
LWMIIA | Introduction to International Law | DR Alex Gilder |
LWMIRL | International Refugee Law | DR Ruvi Ziegler |
LWMTAC | Law of Armed Conflict (International Humanitarian Law) | DR Saeed Bagheri |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,500
New international students: £21,350
Tuition fee information
The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government's guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.
Careers
Your MSc Applied International Development degree will strengthen your professional competence in the design, implementation and critical evaluation of international development. These will help improve your employability for governmental or non-governmental development agencies, as well as for research, consultancy and the private sector.
Our graduates
- Read about Cecilia Coccia, an MSc Applied International Development graduate who now works as a Financial Analysis and Planning Consultant for the International Land Coalition, hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development.