Grad Dip International Development
Duration: one year full time; two years part time
General Information
The aim of development is broadly understood as being about the improvement of quality of life in a world characterised by unprecedented opulence but also by widespread deprivation, destitution and poverty. Development, however, is about more than higher incomes – it is a multidimensional process of change in social structures, posing challenges in such areas as the reduction of inequality and inclusion, the expansion of the range of economic and social choices, the progressive realisation of human rights and of progress towards a more sustainable world.
The academic subject of International Development focuses on processes of social, political and economic change taking place primarily – although not exclusively – in developing countries. Teaching and research on development is multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary, bringing together academic expertise in politics, economics, agriculture, political economy and other areas, while also drawing on the broader strengths of the School of Politics and International Relations.
The Graduate Diploma in International Development is designed to provide participants with an interdisciplinary understanding of the process of development and with a range of skills to enable them to work effectively in this field. Unlike the MSc (International Development), this programme does not require the completion of a minor thesis.
Structure
Students taking the Graduate Diploma in International Development on a full-time basis take six modules over two semesters. Three of these are core modules in the politics, economics and political economy of development (Human and Economic Development, Governing the Global Economy and Politics of Development). Three other modules are to be chosen from a wide range of options: these can change from year to year but typically cover areas such as Food Security, Development Management, Political Economy of Transition, Africa in Crisis?, Development and Global Justice, Human Rights, the Politics of the Middle East and others.
Students taking the Graduate Diploma in Development Studies on a part-time basis complete the course-work over a two year period.
Admission Requirements
Each application is considered on its individual merits. The applicants should have earned an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as political science, international relations, social science, sociology, history, geography, economics, global studies, public policy, development studies, EU studies, law/international law etc. with at least Lower or Upper Second Class Honours, or o its equivalent Relevant professional experience will also be taken into account.
Note that meet the requirements do not guarantee admission. Applicants in their final year of undergraduate study may be admitted conditional on satisfactory completion of their undergraduate degree.
Career Prospects
The Graduate Diploma in International Development may lead to careers in a wide number of areas. Graduates of the programme have found employment with the official Irish Aid programme, in Irish and international non-governmental organisations, with agencies of the European Union and the United Nations, in
journalism, education and local community development among others. Students who achieve a high overall grade in coursework may apply to complete the MSc (Development Studies programme; this requires submission of a minor thesis).
