MSc Development Studies

• Contemporary issues in development
  The module aims to provide a comprehensive and detailed introduction to the contemporary challenges facing developing countries in the coming years. Topics vary from one year to the next, but currently the focus is on issues of poverty and poverty reduction; aid and its effectiveness; debt and debt servicing; governance and transparency; the environmental impact of development; patterns of inequality; the impact of urbanisation; and more generally, on changing economic relations within the world economy following the 2008-9 global crisis and subsequent events. The module also assesses the main developing strategies followed by selected middle and low-income countries, with detailed case studies drawn from Asia, Africa and Latin America. It also examines these topics from a gender perspective. 
• Human development in a globalised world
  This module focuses initially on the roles and inter-relations between corporations, governments, international agencies, multilateral institutions, corporations and non-governmental organisations in the global economy. It then goes on to examine these inter-relations in relation to the shifting power relations in the global economy.  It aims in particular to examine the relations between growth, capacities for improving human capital, infrastructure development, livelihoods improvement and poverty reduction. The conclusions of the module feed into the case studies analysed in the Semester Two Economies in Transition module. 
• Research methods for development
  A series of lectures introduces students to the main epistemological approaches to research and key research strategies, and focuses on mixed-methods research (MMR). In parallel, students will participate in tutor-led workshops to develop data summary and analysis skills with specific computer-based packages.
• Economies in transition: strategies for industrialisation
  The Economies in Transition module examines the advantages & disadvantages of different and contending approaches to, and strategies appropriate for industrialisation. Contrasting perspectives and focusing on country case studies, the module aims to give the student an understanding of the overall strategies and sectoral policies currently available for industrialisation. We aim to examine and assess: varying strategies for industrialisation available for policy design and implementation in different developing country contexts.
  The module also analyses the links between theories, strategies and policies, for example how the concept of comparative advantage interacts with the strategies of import-substitution industrialisation and export-oriented industrialisation. Further, we examine the distinctions and links between economic and human indicators of development, within the broad framework of sustainability. Crucially, these engagements with theories and policies are exemplified via country case studies drawn from mainly African, Asian and Latin American countries.
• Forced migration and development
  The module introduces the key concepts in Forced Migration and Development and the various categories of forced migrants--asylum-seekers, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), oustees (people displaced by development projects) and disaster victims. The module examines the multiple and complex causes and consequences of Forced Migration, evaluates the responses of the international, inter-governmental, non-governmental and governmental responses to the short, medium and long-term needs of forced migrants and the poor sections of host populations. It critically analyses and evaluates the positive and negative impacts of forced migrants and refugees on host communities. How forced migrants (re)-construct their communities and livelihoods in countries of asylum, as well in countries and places of origin in the context of post-conflict (re)-construction are also examined in detail.
• Human rights and development Students will study Human Rights and Development in the context of specific countries and themes. Topics will introduce students to key topics such as the UN procedures and Human Rights Activism. Students will then research these topics in the context of a specific country (such as Myanmar, Nigeria and Pakistan) and theme (such as Fair Trial, Free Speech and Torture). Seminar discussion will be based on students’ research on their selected country and theme. There will be an emphasis on developing effective strategies for combating human rights abuses. Assessment is by a single piece of Coursework.
• Research dissertation (triple module) The award of the MSc Development Studies is conditional upon the submission of a 15,000-20,000 word dissertation, which forms a crucial part of the course. The Modules  completed prior to the dissertation have as one of their subsidiary aims to equip you with the relevant background  methodological, theoretical and factual knowledge and analytical skills required for undertaking a research project in a particular area relevant to your field of study. The analytical and methodological skills required in researching, writing and presenting findings are fundamental to the attainment of postgraduate status, in that you undertake research under your own organisation and self-discipline. The MSc dissertation is a culmination of your achievements and therefore represents an important landmark in your academic journey.

The MSc also offers a series of workshops in project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, providing these essential skills for student's Development careers

A humanities masters has the real advantage of opening up careers in a number of professions such as teaching, social work, administration and higher level education. Graduates have forged exciting careers in research-related work, public relations, advertising, retail, management and media-related work.

Previous students have entered careers in many fields working for international organisations such as the United Nations and its constituent organisations, the World Bank, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organisation. Many students take up posts in their home countries within government, non-government and civil society organisations, or with non-governmental development organisations in the UK, in addition to teaching posts in universities and colleges specialising in Development research and practice.

LSBU Employability Services

LSBU is committed to supporting you develop your employability and succeed in getting a job after you have graduated. Your qualification will certainly help, but in a competitive market you also need to work on your employability, and on your career search. Our Employability Service will support you in developing your skills, finding a job, interview techniques, work experience or an internship, and will help you assess what you need to do to get the job you want at the end of your course. LSBU offers a comprehensive Employability Service, with a range of initiatives to complement your studies, including:

• direct engagement from employers who come in to interview and talk to students
• Job Shop and on-campus recruitment agencies to help your job search
• mentoring and work shadowing schemes.

Study hours

Class contact time is typically 12 hours per week on the full-time mode of the MSc, and six hours on the part-time mode plus individual tutorial and independent study. This accumulates to typically two days a week, afternoons and evenings typically two evenings a week.

All staff members teaching on the course have considerable experience of working and conducting research in developing countries. They have all published work on Development issues and are well known in their respective fields.

• A minimum of a 2:2 first degree/Bachelor degree equivalent to UK Second Class Honours Lower Division in a relevant subject area. Relevant professional experience will also be considered. Applicants will be assessed on the personal statement as well as the entry qualifications.
• We welcome equivalent qualifications from around the world. English language qualifications for international students: IELTS score of 6.5, Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C.

Typical background of applicant

Some students have worked in the Development field, with governments, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations and agencies. Others wish to move into a new career. Students have received scholarships from the European Union, the Africa Educational Trust, and British Council Chevening Scholarships.

For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.

See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 143 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 102 KB).

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Postgraduate loan (PGL) for Masters study

If you are starting a Masters course, studying either full- or part-time, you may be entitled to apply for a postgraduate study loan. Find out more at our postgraduate fees and funding section.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.