Course Type: Postgraduate (taught)
Training Provider: University of Bath
School/Institute/Dept./Centre: Department of Economics

The Aims of the MSc International Development are:

• To review systematically, and to evaluate critically different ways of defining and measuring development and underdevelopment.
• To review systematically, and to evaluate critically explanations of development and underdevelopment from the perspective of different social sciences and schools of thought.
• To relate different theories of development to students' own experience, enabling them to bring to bear a wider range of ideas and perspectives on development issues and problems.
• To review systematically and critically the literature on contemporary issues in development.
• To review in more depth the development literature in specialist areas/fields of students' own choosing.
• To enable students to identify, research and develop their own original arguments in specialist areas of development of their own choosing.
• To enable students to identify and pursue in depth an original research question relating to some aspect of development of their own choosing.

The programme was designed for those students either already with a career in international development, or who wish to develop such a career.

Many past students have continued their career within the government or non-government organisation that sponsored their study and from which they came. Others have secured paid employment with a UK-based or international development agency for the first time. Recent "first time" employers include: Action Aid, Oxfam, Tear Fund, UK Department for International Development, Swedish International Development Agency, Food and Agriculture Organisation. Although graduates have historically been more likely to join non-profit agencies, a growing number subsequently work as private consultants. There is also an established tradition of students proceeding from the MSc programme onto MPhil/PhD programmes and academic careers.

Programme structure

• The first semester (typically October to January) uses a relatively rigid curriculum to explore a core set of concepts and ideas about development that is capable of accommodating multiple perspectives.

Hits: 1326

                                                                     

Staff:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/soc-pol/people

Entry Requirements:
Academic requirements: Given the breadth of subjects covered within International Development, combined with the interest in those with relevant experience, we encourage diversity of intake in terms of experience, qualifications and interests to stimulate the mutual experience and learning environment. As a guide however, we would welcome applications from those who have a: 2.2 or higher first degree or equivalent in a social science subject, or a 2.1 in another subject, or relevant professional experience.

Students should normally have prior experience of working in development. Underlying these conditions is a belief that students must bring a minimum combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the programme. Marginal cases are often dealt with at interview, and it is not uncommon for relatively inexperienced students to be asked to defer entry.

Minimum English language requirements: Applicants should have a good command in English, oral as well as written. In particular, non-Anglophone students should have obtained a minimum score in English language tests of: IELTS 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components), or TOEFL 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test).

If you wish to improve your English proficiency before commencing your studies, pre-sessional language training can be arranged through the English Language Centre.

Course Duration:
One academic year (full-time); up to 5 years (part-time).

The Masters Programmes are available for part-time study. We recognise the often significant challenges associated with balancing study and other activities, and so adopt a flexible approach (wherever possible) to part-time study. A typical example might be: to take two or three taught units in each of the four semesters over a two-year period - the aim being to complete the taught component of your studies by the end of semester 2 in the second year. Development of the Dissertation may be commenced in the first summer, being completed in the second summer, possibly extending into the third year. {If the compulsoiry units are taken in the first year, this might provide the necessary key knowledge to be able to identify and pursue the dissertation in the first summer.] Obviously, such a pattern will not be suitable to all students - our recommendation would be to meet with the Director of Studies to identify a tailor-made study programme to suit your particular requirements. [Whilst there will be constraints regarding timetabling and that some units require other units to be taken before them, we continue to strive to reduce such constraints. For example, the MRes core units are delivered on just two days of the week - Tuesdays and Fridays in both semesters 1 and 2 ).] We also recognise that studying a programme on a part-time basis can impose a range of problems, different to those encountered by full-time students, particularly regarding the balance between studying and other life activities (such as home or work). We therefore provide advice to students as to how to tackle this balance, and expect Directors of Study to maintain regular contact with p/t students. To enable part-time students to adapt study arrangements as they continue to juggle study and outside commitments, students can suspend their registration for a period of one or more semesters ? this is sometimes useful to work-around outside activities although should only be considered where absolutely necessary.

Language(s) of Instruction:

• English

Mode of Study:

• residential

Thematic Focus:

• Development Economics
• Development Studies
• Globalisation
• Rural Development
• Social Policy and Development

Country(ies):

• United Kingdom

Town(s) or City(ies):
Bath

Course fees:
Fees (all GBP) in 2007-8
FULL-TIME: PGCert: £1266 (Home/EU); £3220 (Overseas) PGDip: £2532 (Home/EU); £6440 (Overseas) MSc: £3800 (Home/EU); £9650 (Overseas) PART-TIME (Annual fees): PGCert: not available PGDip: £1266 (Home/EU); £3220 (Overseas) MSc: £1900 (Home/EU); £4825 (Overseas)

Scholarships & Awards:
see website below. All students coming on the programme should make sure that they have sufficient resources before starting their studies.

Further Funding Information:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/pg/funding.htm.

Course's Webpage:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/econ-dev/pg/id.htm