International Development

The MA in International Development at Richmond University, promotes a critical engagement with the key concepts, practices, theoretical innovations, and contemporary paradigms in this field.

The programme is grounded in the recognition that development is inherently international, and inherently political: a concept that cannot be separated from core questions of global governance, from international conflict, attempts at conflict resolution, and post-conflict reconstruction, or from issues of human development and human security. International Development at Richmond ensures that students understand the history of international development from post-war modernization to the Millennium Development Goals, with particular emphasis on building a conception of the impact of global governance on political and economic processes in the developing world. Students engage directly with core issues of the international flows (legal and illegal) of people, both between developing states, and into the developed world. Students develop analytical and practical skills that facilitate continued learning in this dynamic field. Courses examine the inter-disciplinary literature on the subject and Spring semester electives allow students to pursue further specialised knowledge in an area of their choice.

Course Structure

The tentative structure of the programme is organised as follows – all three courses in the Fall semester are core, in the Spring semester there is one core course in addition to which students choose one electives. Students who wish to opt out of the internship choose a third elective in the Spring semester. Spring semester electives run depending on demand and faculty availability.

The MA thesis is written over the summer semester.

Degree requirements:

FHEQ Level 7

• IND 7100 (4 CREDITS) - Research Methodology
• IND 7101 (4 CREDITS) - Theories of International Development
• IND 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Development Methodologies and Practices
• IND 7102 (4 CREDITS) - International Institutions & Law

Plus two of the following:

• INR 7120 (4 CREDITS) - Origins & Development of Inter Relations
• INR 7121 (4 CREDITS) - International Relations and the Media
• INR 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Global Political Economy
• INR 7xxx - Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - Diplomacy - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - International Politics of East Asia - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - The Middle East and International Politics - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - US Foreign Policy - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• IND 7xxx - African Development Politics - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• IND 7xxx - Gender And Development - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• IND 7xxx - Migration, Labour And Development - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

Plus EITHER

• IND 7902 (4 CREDITS) - Internship
• IND 7500 (8 CREDITS) - Thesis Research

OR

• IND 7550 (12 CREDITS) - Extended Thesis Research

Students are required to be in London from early May to Mid-June for thesis supervision and seminars. The thesis is handed in no later than September 1. Students must be registered for IND 7550.

Graduate Certificate in International Development Studies

The Graduate Certificate in International Development studies is awarded to students registered on the MA who have successfully completed in good academic standing (with a 3.0 GPA / B average / Pass) for all coursework components but: 1) fail to submit the thesis ( without extenuating circumstances eligible for resubmission), or 2) fail to pass the thesis. The Certificate is therefore conferrable as an exit award in recognition of successful completion of graduate coursework, but it is not possible for students to register on the Graduate Certificate.

A minimum of 24 credits, are required from the following coursework:

FHEQ Level 7

• IND 7100 (4 CREDITS) - Research Methodology
• IND 7101 (4 CREDITS) - Theories of International Development
• IND 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Development Methodologies and Practices
• IND 7102 (4 CREDITS) - International Institutions & Law

Plus two of the following:

• INR 7105 (4 CREDITS) - Global Political Economy
• INR 7120 (4 CREDITS) - Origins & Development of Inter Relations
• INR 7121 (4 CREDITS) - International Relations and the Media

• INR 7xxx - Conflict and Post-Conflict Studies - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

• INR 7xxx - Diplomacy - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

• INR 7xxx - International Politics of East Asia - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - The Middle East and International Politics - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• INR 7xxx - US Foreign Policy - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• IND 7xxx - African Development Politics - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow
• IND 7xxx - Gender And Development - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow\
• IND 7xxx - Migration, Labour And Development - This course is currently under development. Course description to follow

Academic Background US Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, or UK first degree with minimum second class honours, or an overseas equivalent as determined by the University. Relevant work experience is welcomed and may on occasion be accepted in lieu of a first degree, but is not required. Professional Statement We seek students who are committed to engaging in serious research and who demonstrate a curiosity and interest in their chosen field. Therefore, all applicants must submit a Personal Statement of 1,500 words addressing their reasons for wishing to undertake the Masters programme at Richmond. Academic References To help us evaluate your potential for success in the Richmond graduate programme, we require at least one academic references from an academic who know you and who knows your work. English Language Proficiency The language of instruction at Richmond is English, and non-native English speakers are asked to provide TOEFL, IELTS, or Pearson Academic Test of English language examination results as proof of their fluency in written and spoken English. We look for an IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 or iBT TOEFL of 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 20 in writing, or Pearson Academic Test of English with 61 overall and 56 in each element. Admissions Process: The admissions process is a multi-step team approach. Typically, applications are reviewed by the Postgraduate Applications Review Committee which consists of the Programme Director and the Head of Admissions. These parties will be responsible for deciding upon all matters pertaining to this area. Applications are reviewed holistically. Applications are not eliminated for admission based on test scores, nationality, gender, ethnicity or other factors. Each criterion is considered to provide a holistic picture of an applicant's qualifications. This process allows the committee to select those candidates most likely to be successful in our Programmes.

Masters Scholarship

Each year Richmond will award a scholarship to a maximum of three outstanding new entrants to our Masters programmes. Each will cover the duration of the programme, subject to grades, with one as a 100% remission of tuition fees payable and the remaining two worth 50% remission of tuition fees payable.

To be eligible for consideration, a prospective scholar must have, by 1st June preceding the programme start date:

accepted the offer of a place on a Richmond Masters programme for the entry year concerned and

submitted a complete scholarship application form.

Recipients of the scholarship will be decided by the Vice Chancellor on the basis of:

their applications for study and the Scholarship,

their level of academic achievement prior to entry to the Richmond Masters programme, and

advice from the Richmond academic departments concerned.

Scholars will be informed by July 15th. The University reserves the right to make the offer of a scholarship subject to certain conditions being met (for example, where the final outcome of undergraduate study is not known at the point of scholarship application)

Once awarded, continuation of the Scholarship into the second and subsequent semesters of study will be dependent on the Scholar:

progressing normally on the programme, having achieved a cumulative GPA of not less than 3.7 by the completion of the previous semester; and

remaining in good standing and making a positive contribution to University life.

The fee waiver is cancelled in total if the student does not remain actively enrolled for three successive semesters (full time programmes) or six successive semesters (part time programmes).

The Masters Scholarship may not be held in conjunction with any other form of financial or scholarship support from the University.

Financial Assistance

Tuition fees, books, a laptop computer (required), and living costs are the main items you will need to take into account in estimating the total cost of your MA Program.

MA students fund their studies from a variety of sources such as loans, grants, and personal resources.

United States Government Loans

Stafford Loans

U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders may qualify for Stafford loans. To apply you must complete the Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In the U.S. you can also call 1-8004FED AID to request a form. The U.S. Department of Education number for Richmond, The American International University in London is G10594.

Other Loans

There may be some private loans available to American students studying abroad. Private loans are subject to a credit check. Some Richmond students fund their studies through the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loans. We do not have a preferred lenders list and we are not currently aware of other U.S. private loan providers. You should consider terms and conditions carefully in comparison with Federal Direct Loans.