MSc 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 programme is designed to provide participants with an interdisciplinary understanding of the process of development and with a range of skills to enable them to continue on to further study (including at PhD level) in development, in particular through the acquisition of substantive skills in research design and methodology. The programme is also designed to develop participants’ existing skills by critically evaluating these from the perspective of a number of disciplines.
Structure
The MSc in International Development is a 90-credit programme. Full time students must take three 10-credit modules in the first semester, and three 10-credit modules in the second semester. Students must also submit a thesis worth 25 credits.
Part time students take a total of 90 credits over the two-year duration of the part-time programme.
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 Upper Second Class Honours, or its equivalent (an overall GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher in the American system). 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 MSc in International Development may lead to careers in a wide number of areas. A significant number of students may continue studying towards a PhD, building on the substantive research training the MSc provides. Graduates of the programme may also find 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, or in many other fields.
