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  • Development Studies (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • Coursework, including essays, critical surveys of relevant literature, reflective journal and examination. Dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words for the MSc.

  • Attendance
      • part-time: one–two evenings per week
      • full-time: up to three evenings a week, plus day and/or weekend sessions. 
  • Duration
      • MSc: two years part-time or one year full-time.
      • PgDip/PgCert: one–two years part-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Good degree (2:1 or above) in social sciences or humanities.
      • Previous experience or study of development issues may be an advantage.
      • Two references: preferably both academic references, but employer references may be considered.
      • Proof of English language ability (equivalent to 7.0 IELTS), if English is not your first language.
      • Please note that this programme can become oversubscribed, so meeting the entry requirements will not guarantee applicants a place.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)

    • Development Studies MSc

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £6875 pa
      • Full-time (home/EU students): £6950 pa
      • Full-time (overseas students): £13,750 pa

      Development Studies Postgraduate Certificate

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £2700 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £4575 pa
  • Location
      • Central London.
  • Teaching

    • Lectures, seminars, group work and presentations.

Study at Birkbeck | Postgraduate study | Postgraduate courses, 2012/2013 entry: browse by study mode - Full-time courses | Development Studies (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate)

Development Studies (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • This interdisciplinary programme aims to provide a critical and theoretical understanding of the issues, processes and institutions central to global poverty, inequality and development.

      The programme's core modules introduce you to key debates that have shaped thinking on international poverty and development, and will equip you with knowledge of the conceptual and theoretical bases of development. They aim to improve your skills of evaluation and analysis, enabling you to participate critically in debates on the changing nature of the multilateral, bilateral and non-governmental institutions designed to address development issues, the context in which they operate and the constraints they face. 

      You will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of thematic option modules, allowing you to tailor the programme according to your personal or career interests.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Ideal if you want to further your knowledge of, or are planning a career in, development agencies, international organisations or related areas.

      • Develop transferable skills, including critical analysis of debates and issues in development, team-working, written and oral communication, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

  • Course structure
  • Study resources
  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers in development agencies and other international organisations, policy research, journalism or the non-governmental sector.

  • Apply now