Development Education and Global Learning

Development Education and Global Learning MSc at University College London offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing global development issues. This program is designed for students who are passionate about creating positive social change and seek to deepen their knowledge of development processes, policies, and grassroots initiatives. Throughout the MSc, students explore critical themes such as inequality, sustainability, human rights, and global governance, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected challenges facing the world today. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical skills, including research methods, policy analysis, project management, and effective communication. Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world case studies, participate in field visits, and collaborate with NGOs, international organizations, and development agencies. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical practice, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity in development work, preparing graduates for careers in international development, education, advocacy, and policy-making. With a strong focus on global citizenship, the MSc encourages students to critically reflect on their roles within global systems and to develop innovative solutions for sustainable development. The program benefits from the institution’s extensive network of practitioners and researchers, offering internships, seminars, and guest lectures that enrich the learning experience. Graduates of Development Education and Global Learning MSc are equipped with the analytical abilities, practical skills, and ethical awareness necessary to contribute effectively to development initiatives worldwide. Whether aiming to work in non-profits, government agencies, or international organizations, students gain valuable insights that empower them to make impactful contributions toward a fairer and more sustainable future for all.

  This programme provides students with a grounding in the current research and practice of development education, global learning and global citizenship. It also provides opportunity for participants to reflect critically on their own engagement and interest in these areas and how they link to broader educational debates, such as those related to education quality, aid and development, sustainable development, poverty and global inequality.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of either two core modules (60 credits), two optional modules (60 credits), or two core modules (60 credits), three optional modules (90 credits) and a report (30 credits).

Core modules

• Development Education in the Era of Globalisation
• Principles and Practices of Development Education

Optional modules

• North - South Educational Partnership
• Options may also be selected from any other MA programme at UCL Institute of Education as long as they contribute to a coherent programme of study.
• Understanding Research

Dissertation/report

Students submit either a dissertation of 17,000 words a 2,000-word research proposal, or a report of 8,000 words and a 1,500-word research proposal.

Teaching and learning

All core modules within this programme are delivered online; students may choose to take optional modules either online or face-to-face. Modules are structured around independent engagement with literature, online discussions and group activities, and coursework assignments. Assessment is by written coursework.

Applicants are expected to have a minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or overseas qualification of an equivalent standard, and an interest in education and learning about global and development issues.

The Development Education and Global Learning MSc program at University College London offers a range of financing options to support prospective students. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status. For international students, the annual tuition fee is approximately £24,000, whereas for UK and EU students, it is around £12,000 per year. These fees cover access to university facilities, academic resources, and support services. There are opportunities to apply for numerous scholarships and bursaries, which can significantly offset the financial burden. UCL offers an array of funding programs specifically aimed at students pursuing development-related studies, including the UCL Graduate Scholarships and the UCL Global Excellence Scholarships. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding sources such as government grants, international development organization sponsorships, and private foundations that support education in global development.

Many students finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, part-time work, and student loans. UCL has partnerships with financial institutions that provide specialized student loan options, which enable students to spread the cost of tuition over time. The university also provides detailed guidance on applying for research and teaching assistantships, which offer a stipend and tuition fee waivers, although these are highly competitive and primarily available to research students.

Students are advised to start exploring financing options early due to the competitive nature of scholarships and funding programs. The university’s financial aid office offers personalized advice and can help applicants navigate the application process for various funding sources. Overall, while the cost of the MSc program can be substantial, numerous financial aid options are available, and careful planning can make this program financially accessible to qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds.

The MSc in Development Education and Global Learning at University College London offers students an in-depth understanding of development issues with a focus on education and global learning. The program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex global challenges such as inequality, sustainable development, social justice, and human rights. Students will explore the role of education in fostering social change, promoting sustainable development, and encouraging active global citizenship.

Throughout the course, learners engage with a diverse curriculum that includes topics such as global pedagogies, development theories, policy analysis, and the social, political, and economic contexts affecting development education. The program emphasizes critical thinking and reflection, enabling students to analyze educational practices and policies from a global perspective. It also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, combining insights from education, development studies, anthropology, and international relations.

The program is designed for a wide range of students, including educators, development practitioners, policy makers, NGOs, and individuals interested in social justice and global issues. Students benefit from UCL’s strong links with international organizations, NGOs, and policy institutions, providing opportunities for networking, internships, and research collaborations.

Students will undertake a combination of taught modules, workshops, and independent research, culminating in a dissertation that addresses a real-world issue related to development education and global learning. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as critical analysis, project management, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in international development, education policy, advocacy, research, or further academic study.

UCL’s location in London offers access to a vibrant academic community and numerous resources, including seminars, conferences, and guest lectures from leading experts in the field. Graduates of this program are well-equipped to contribute to ongoing efforts worldwide to promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development through education.