Global Development

MA Global Development is an introduction to the cross-disciplinary field of global development. It provides an overview of alternative theoretical approaches in the analysis of development, and examines their differing policy and practice implications, with a particular focus on low and mid-income country contexts.

The course is an opportunity to learn about and analyse the major socio-economic and political changes that have characterised global development in recent decades. It offers debate and insight into topical issues in a rapidly changing field, combining theoretical analyses with detailed discussion of how theories and strategies affect people and impact on poverty and well being in specific local contexts.

You will learn development research skills, whether from a programme or advocacy perspective, and explore the principles of project management. You will learn practical skills such as how to run a focus group, undertake a stakeholder analysis, write a project proposal, develop a monitoring and evaluation framework, and prepare a budget.

This interdisciplinary course is a well-established programme that attracts a large and diverse group of international students. Many are mid-career professionals seeking time out to reflect; others seek the disciplinary expertise they will need to take up a career in development – perhaps within a government department, the non-government sector, the agency world or activism.

MA Global Development offers you ...

• a flexible, cross disciplinary programme
• critical perpectives on theories and practices in global development
• research-led teaching by staff who are practically engaged in their field of study and have extensive experience of teaching postgraduates
• the stimulation of studying with a diverse group of students from around the world.

If you want to …

• examine issues of global poverty and injustice
• critically debate topical development issues
• challenge and contest mainstream ideas on global development
• combine theoretical discussions with learning practical skills in development research and management

... then consider MA Global Development.

Compulsory Modules

Global Inequalities and Development provides you with an understanding of why and how the world’s inequalities produce advantages and disadvantages in development. You will cover economic, social, and political inequalities to lay the foundation for discussions about poverty, dispossession, food, environment and aid. You will also explore how social movements in the global south claim rights and thereby challenge global inequalities.

Development Management Techniques reviews the main elements of preparation, management and evaluation of development projects, with examples taken from social, environmental and natural resource development areas. You will study both the theoretical and analytical principles of Project Cycle Management including management by objectives, project logic, Logical Frameworks, budgetary submission and financial management.

Research Methodology for Development is a workshop module and will introduce you to the logic and parameters of the research process. You will examine the relevance of both qualitative and quantitative data and evidence, along with issues of practicality, ethics and epistemology in the research process. You will also develop practical skills in a range of Participatory Rapid Appraisal methods, such as mapping and ranking, as well as conventional qualitative research techniques including questionnaires, focus groups and oral histories.

Global Development Dissertation leads you through the process of developing a deeper understanding of a particular topic in development studies through independent research and the preparation of an extended piece of writing. You agree a research topic with your supervisor and write a 12,000 word dissertation that demonstrates your research skills, your ability to assess information, and appraise relevant concepts and theories.

Optional Modules

You will also study two of the following optional modules:

• Africa in the Contemporary World
• Conflict, Complex Emergencies and Global Governance
• Democracy and Development
• Education in Development
• Gender, Globalisation and Development
• Political Economy of Resources and Development
• Capitalism and Crisis
• Rural Development: Theoretical and Policy Issues
• The EU and the Developing World
• Political Transitions in South East Asia
• The Politics of the Israel-Palestine Conflict
• Environmental Politics and Policy
• International Political Economy
• Global Justice

You may also study the following non-POLIS modules:

• Chinese Politics
• China's Development
• Religions and Global Development

Please note module options may be subject to change.

If you wish to apply for one of our MA programmes you should normally hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a Social Science discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification. Suitable degree subjects for specific programmes are as follows:MA Global Development and pathways: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area e.g. development studies, sociology, social policy, geography.MA Politics and pathways: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area e.g. politics, history, economics.MA International Relations, MA Conflict Development and Security and MA Security, Terrorism and Insurgency: A 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area, e.g. history, international relations, security studies. Applicants with 2.2s and/or a degree in a non relevant subject may be considered, taking into consideration full transcripts, references and any relevant work/voluntary experience.Language requirements Successful completion of a postgraduate degree demands facility in English. It is a requirement that essays and dissertations be well-written. Prospective and intending students whose first language is not English will need to ensure that their linguistic proficiency is adequate. They may need to undertake some language training in the University or elsewhere. The School has a minimum requirement:TOEFL score on the internet-based test: 92, with minimum scores of 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing. A minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with at least 6 in all components.PTE Academic score of at least 64 with not less than 60 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.Important information about language tests New British government regulations state that an ...IELTSTOEFL iBTor PET Academic... test score must be less than two years old when the University of Leeds issues a Certificate of Approved Study (CAS) to an international student that has been offered a place on a postgraduate taught programme.An international student requires a CAS in order to obtain a British student visa. What this means for youWhen you apply to one of our postgraduate courses, you must ensure that your English Language Test score will be less than two years old when we make a decision on your application.University Language CentreThe School keeps its requirements under review and may request a higher level of proficiency. The University's Language Centre offers specialised pre-sessional English language programmes, which are suitable for students going on to study in the Institute. These programmes are also useful in helping students acclimatise to the UK academic environment. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 60 (Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test: 92 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

---

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Funding and scholarships

POLIS Scholarships 2014-15

There are a number of awards that may be of interest to applicants for taught postgraduate courses at the School of Politics and International Studies. You should be aware that the scholarship deadlines are often much earlier than you may think, so early enquiry is recommended.

International Scholarships

International Merit Scholarships

Up to four scholarships to the value of £3000 are available to applicants who are nationals of China, India, Japan, Nigeria and South Korea wishing to study one of our full-time taught Masters programmes. These scholarships are based on academic merit.

UK/EU Scholarships

UK/EU Merit Scholarship

We have one available full-fees scholarship for a UK/EU applicant wishing to study one of our Masters programmes (on a full-time basis only). This scholarship is based on academic merit.

De Haas scholarship

Two scholarships of £5000 each are available forfull-time MA students taking one of the following MAs:

• Conflict, Development and Security
• Security, Terrorism and Insurgency
• MA International Relations

AHRC WRoCAH Studentships for Masterships Programmes

Up to two fully funded studentships are available to new UK/EU applicants wishing to commence full-time or part-time mastership study (one year taught Masters and MRes degrees). The award covers AHRC Masters fees and a maintenance grant (in session 2013/14 this was £9,585). Part-time awards will be pro-rata. Find out more and complete the application form.

Partial-fee waivers

Small amounts may be awarded as partial fee waivers to excellent candidates who have arranged funds from other sources but who still have a small shortfall. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis and is based on academic merit. Email our Admissions Office about eligibility.

University Awards

The University also has a number of full and partial fees scholarships open to UK/EU and international applicants.

Postgraduate Financial Support Package

For 2014 entry only, the University of Leeds is offering awards worth £10k for postgraduate students from less advantaged backgrounds as part of a project working with HEFCE and five partner universities (Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, Warwick and York).

The aim of the project is to provide an array of financial, guidance and academic products designed to address falling postgraduate numbers, especially among those from lower income backgrounds.

A £380k donation from University alumni and friends has been matched by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), enabling the creation of this one-off pilot programme, which aims to address inequalities in take-up of postgraduate studies from under-represented groups

You will need to meet the full eligibility criteria to apply for this competitive award so if you are interested and the brief details below don’t rule you out, visit our webpage and download an application form.

• Meet one financial criterion
• Intend to study a one-year full-time or two-year part-time taught postgraduate programme beginning September 2014 leading to an MA, MBA, MMus, MRes, MEd, MPH, MSc or LLM qualification.
• Be a UK student paying academic fees at the UK/EU rate only
• Be self-financing for the full cost of your tuition fees

The closing date for applications is 13 June 2014.

Alumni Postgraduate Bursary 2014

The Alumni Postgraduate Bursary is available to former University of Leeds students. Those who qualify are eligible for a 10 percent tuition fee bursary. The alumni bursary can be awarded in conjunction with other University of Leeds scholarships and awards as the 10 percent bursary is calculated based on the net fee remaining. If you are thinking of continuing your studies to postgraduate level, we would love for you to stay with us.

OFID’s Scholarship Program

The OFID’s Scholarship Program sponsors outstanding young students from developing countries through graduate studies in a development-related discipline. The winner of the OFID Scholarship Award will receive a tuition support of up to US$50,000. The funds will be spread over a maximum of one year, toward the completion of a Master’s degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited educational institution, starting in the autumn of the academic year 2013.

Professional and Career Development Loans

Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans that can be used to help pay for work related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year's relevant unpaid practical work). Unlike Student Loans, these loans are commercial. This means that you will have to pay the loan back at a fixed rate one month after your course finishes, regardless of your employment status.

If you require a loan to fund a course at the University of Leeds our learning provider registration number is: 05879.