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MSc in International Development

Awards Available MSc;
PG Diploma
Duration of programme One year full-time;
two years part-time
Part-time study available? Yes
Number of places 50

Programme overview

This programme is designed to assist a wide range of people involved in conceptualising or administering policies which aim at a sustainable and substantial level of development in the world's poorer countries. It is especially suitable for those already involved in planning development strategies, those currently working for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in the development field and those planning a career in development.

The programme combines an intellectual and academic approach with policy-oriented and empirical studies of development, addressing three interrelated but separate facets of the development process:

  • Analysis of what 'development' means
  • Studying the processes of planning (external aid, regional disparities, environmental factors, poverty, and industrialisation)
  • Examining how development policies may be delivered and administered, analysing the importance of effective political and bureaucratic structures, and evaluating the contributions of NGOs and other external bodies.

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Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent qualification). Degrees from all disciplines are considered. In exceptional cases we will consider offering Diploma entry, aiming for upgrade to MSc, for applicants with a lower second-class honours degree.

For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

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Programme structure

The MSc programme lasts 50 weeks (September to September). It comprises six 12-week taught units and six assessed essays, followed by a dissertation.

Core units

  • Conflict Security and Development
  • International Political Economy
  • Theories of Development

Optional units

Three optional units from the Teaching Block Two list are offered by the School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies each year. Topics vary each year but may include:

  • Conflict, Security and Development
  • Small Business Development
  • Managing and Evaluating Development
  • Development Skills in Practice
  • Environmental Politics
  • Politics of HIV/ AIDS in Africa
  • Governing the Global Borderlands
  • International Development Organisations
  • Masculinities and IR
  • Foreign Policy Analysis
  • Research Methods
  • Militarisation, Militarism and War
  • Discourse Analysis
  • International Human Rights
  • Politics of Latin America
  • Sino-US Relations
  • East Asia and Global Development
  • Japan and East Asia
  • East Asia, Europe and Global Integration
  • Rethinking the State
  • Global Civil Society
  • China's International Relations
  • Religion and Politics in the West
  • Globalisation and Culture
  • Narrating the Self
  • Interpreting Gender
  • Philosophy of Social Science
  • Popular music and society
  • Nations and Nationalism
  • Care, Labour and Gender: International Policy Development
  • European Foerign Policy
  • Liberalism, Terror and the Politics of Insecurity
  • Nuclear (In)security
A list of current units is available on the SPAIS website.

Third Term

Independent study for dissertation.

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Apply online

Application deadline: 1st July 2014

Get in touch

Graduate Studies Administrator
School for Sociology, Politics and International Studies
University of Bristol
11 Priory Road
Bristol
BS8 1TU

Tel: +44 (0) 117 331 7577
Email: spais-mscenquiries@bristol.ac.uk
Web: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/spais/prospective/prospectivepgt

International students

Open to international students? Yes

English-language requirements: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all bands, in addition to the standard entry requirements.

Find information for international students on eligibility, funding options and studying at Bristol.

Fees and funding

2014/15 fees

Full-time: UK/EU £6,900;
overseas £14,600
Part-time: UK/EU £3,450;
overseas n/a
Fees are quoted per annum and are subject to annual increase.

Funding options

Further information on funding for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students is available from the Student Funding Office.

Research Assessment Score

Unit of Assessment 39 applies. See Complete RAE listings for University of Bristol for further details.

Student views

Useful further information

Applicant information

What happens after you apply to Bristol?

Shared kitchen in Blenheim Court

Accommodation

Our Accommodation Office helps all postgraduate students find accommodation.

Living in Bristol

Discover more about living in Bristol and the city of Bristol.