International Development

The MSc in International Development at the University of Leeds offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex challenges facing developing countries and the global efforts aimed at promoting sustainable growth and social justice. This program is designed to equip students with a critical understanding of development theories, policies, and practices, enabling them to analyze the multifaceted issues that influence economic and social progress worldwide. Throughout the course, students will engage with interdisciplinary perspectives, drawing from economics, politics, sociology, and environmental studies, to develop a nuanced understanding of development processes. The program emphasizes both analytical skills and practical applications, encouraging students to critically assess development initiatives, policies, and their impacts on communities and environments.

Students will have the opportunity to explore areas such as poverty reduction, governance, human rights, conflict resolution, and environmental sustainability. The curriculum includes a mix of core modules and optional electives, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. The program also features research methods training and opportunities for fieldwork, where students can apply their learning in real-world contexts. The university’s strong links with international agencies, NGOs, and policy makers provide valuable networking and internship opportunities, enhancing employability after graduation. Graduates of this MSc program pursue careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and policy advisory roles, contributing to development initiatives and sustainable change globally. With a focus on critical thinking, practical skills, and intercultural understanding, the MSc in International Development prepares students to become effective agents of change in an increasingly interconnected world.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12900 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU student fees
£9,000 per year full-time.

International student fees
£12,900 per year full-time.

• English

Course Content

Year One introduces you to key concepts and debates within development.

Compulsory modules

You take compulsory modules to fulfil your core programme of study.

Making of the Modern World examines the socio-economic and political effects of colonialism, the slave trade and capitalist industrialisation on the making of the contemporary world. You will analyse the history of colonial domination and exploitation, resistance to colonial rule, the attraction of socialism to post-independent governments, and explore the legacies of colonial rule across the Americas, Africa and Asia as well as recent efforts to address some of these legacies.

Global Development Challenges asks you to review the eight Millennium Development Goals of the international development agenda. You will appraise progress towards poverty reduction, universalising primary education, achieving gender equity, reducing HIV/AIDs and malaria, reducing child and maternal mortality, environmental sustainability and creating partnerships for world development.

International Politics introduces you to the complex changes currently underway in the international system and their political implications across the globe. We discuss the main ideas, concepts and philosophies that inform the contemporary world order.

Freedom, Power and Resistance: An Introducation to Political Ideas is an introduction to political theory and an invitation for you to subject your own political views to critical examination: to work out what you think and why you think it.

Comparative Politics involves the systematic study and comparison of political systems. You will examine the political systems of three different nations from across the globe, focusing on their respective political histories, political economies, party systems, social movements and foreign policies.

Studying and Researching in POLIS is a supernumeracy skills module.

Discovery modules

You choose discovery modules to make up the credit balance for the year. Discovery modules allow you to study modules that may be taught outside your subject or home school.

Year Two

In Year Two, you have the opportunity to undertake one semester studying abroad in Ghana, Turkey or Hong Kong.

(Semester abroad option)

In semester one, you will be based in Leeds and will take the following compulsory modules:

• Development Approaches
• Development Practice

Semester two will be spent abroad where you will take 60 credits of modules to complete your year.

(Leeds based option)

Compulsory modules

Development Approaches explores the main theoretical perspectives that inform the study of global development, sketching the rise (and fall) of competing theories in the past half century. You will examine the respective roles of the state and market in international development in historical perspective, focusing on a variety of case studies from around the world.

Development Practice offers an introduction to aspects of development practice, allowing you to relate theoretical ideas to practices on the ground. A wide range of development agencies are introduced and their aims and contributions to development appraised. You will learn about different ways of measuring and evaluating development, how to interpret secondary data and the role of qualitative data in development work. You will also explore participatory data collection methodologies in workshops that allow you to gain practical skills in several of them.

Approaches to Analysis introduces you to the ways in which research is conducted in the social sciences, with particular emphasis on approaches commonly used in the fields of politics, international development and international relations. You will engage with key methodologies, theoretical frameworks and methods used in practical research.

Optional modules

You select three 'International Development' modules to complete your year. These may include:

• North-South Linkages
• Politics and Policy in the EU
• Comparative Politics of Pacific Asia
• Politics of Contemporary China
• State and Politics in Africa
• United States Politics
• Theories of International Relations
• Security Studies
• Revolution and Reaction: Political Problems in the 20th Century
• Justice, Community and Conflict
• Comparative Public Policy

Compulsory modules

Dissertation is a piece of written work of 12,000 words, and can be researched on a topic of your own choice. It is designed to allow you to produce an extended piece of written work on a topic of special interest to you.

Optional modules

In addition to the dissertation, you choose either one or two 'Development modules' which may include:

• Land, Fuel and Agriculture
• Violence and Reconciliation in Africa
• Global Inequalities and Social Policy
• Power, Gender and Development

Discovery modules

You then choose a number of discovery modules to make up your credit balance for the year. Discovery modules allow you to study modules that may be taught outside your subject or home school.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 CAE score : 60(Grade C) TOEFL iBT® test : 92

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Our standard entry requirements are three A levels, or two A levels and two AS levels.

In general, prospective applicants for our degree courses will be in the process of studying two 'traditional' academic subjects for A level, with a third in any other subject.

We do not require A level Politics for any of our degrees, and we design our first year modules for students both with and without previous knowledge of Politics.

We accept General Studies as an A level for all of our programmes except BA Economics and Politics, and we welcome applications that include vocational A level subjects: for example, AVCE (single or double awards). Any combination of A levels or AVCE is acceptable.

• BA International Development: ABB.
• BA International Relations: AAB.
• BA Politics: AAB.
• BA Politics and Parliamentary Studies: AAB, including interview.
• BA Economics and Politics: AAB, plus A in GCSE Mathematics. Excludes General Studies.

Equivalent qualifications

There are many other European and International qualifications that we accept.

Further advice can be also be sought by contacting our Admissions Office directly.

Language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require evidence of English language ability in reading, writing and speaking. If you do not hold an English language equivalent to UK GCSE standard, then you should hold one of the following qualifications.

• IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL (internet-based test): 92 with not less than 21 in listening, 21 in reading, 23 in speaking and 22 in writing.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Leeds.

International Development at the University of Leeds offers a comprehensive exploration of the social, economic, political, and environmental issues facing developing countries today. The program is designed to equip students with an in-depth understanding of the complexities of development processes and the policies that influence these dynamics on a global scale. It combines academic theory with practical skills, encouraging critical thinking and active engagement with real-world issues. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including poverty reduction, sustainability, global governance, human rights, and the impacts of globalization. The curriculum typically features modules on development theory, research methods, and the role of international organizations, as well as regional studies focusing on specific parts of the world such as Africa, Asia, or Latin America.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, and field trips, which aim to develop students' analytical and research abilities. The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from economics, politics, sociology, and environmental science. The university’s strong links with NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations provide students with valuable networking opportunities and practical experience through placements and projects. Assessment usually involves essays, presentations, exams, and a dissertation or research project, allowing students to explore areas of personal interest in depth. The course prepares graduates for careers in international development agencies, government departments, non-governmental organizations, or further academic study. It fosters a deep understanding of development challenges and policies and promotes a commitment to making a positive impact worldwide. Students benefit from a diverse and vibrant academic community, with access to modern facilities and dedicated support services. Overall, the program aims to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and socially responsible development professionals equipped to address global inequalities and contribute effectively to sustainable development initiatives around the world.