International Development Practice (MSc) 2020 entry
On the MSc in International Development Practice you will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of international development work. You will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of development questions and concepts as well as learn applied skills needed for development careers.
Course type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Science (MSc).
Course dates
- Start date: 7 September 2020
- End date: 30 September 2021
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Course duration
One year full-time; part-time study is not currently offered.
Entry requirements
- A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- The MSc in International Development Practice welcomes applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including, but not limited to:
- anthropology
- economics
- geography
- international relations
- management
- public health
- sustainable development.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
Applications are also welcomed from suitably qualified applicants with degrees in applied fields - such as medicine, engineering, or education - who are interested in developing a career in international development.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Tuition fees
UK and EU: £11,420
Overseas: £23,090
Application deadline
Applications should be submitted as early as possible and no later than 12 August 2020. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- A CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- A personal statement explaining:
- why you have applied for this course
- how it relates to your personal or professional ambitions
- how your academic and professional background show you have the skills needed to work effectively at postgraduate level.
- Two original signed academic references on headed paper.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
Course information
The MSc in International Development Practice explores the theoretical and practical aspects of international development work. You will develop an interdisciplinary understanding of development questions and concepts as well as learn applied skills needed for development careers.
Highlights
- Aimed at students intending to follow a career in international development.
- Introduces key questions and concepts in development studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
- Explores development practice and applied skills needed in development roles and research projects may be undertaken with a development organisation.
- Interdisciplinary character allows you to use ideas from different disciplines to illuminate your studies.
- Integrated training programme connects your academic learning with the development of professional competencies that enhance employability.
The MSc in International Development Practice is distinguished by its emphasis on practical skills which will be of particular value if you are looking to develop a career in international development.
Practical components are, in part, taught through hands-on workshops facilitated by development practitioners. Specific attention is paid to training in data methods helping you to understand the ways in which quantitative and qualitative data methods can be used to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of development programmes. The degree also features discussion of different careers in international development as well as a literature-based exploration of identity and development work.
Additionally, the summer research project has a strong practical focus. Students are encouraged in their project to address a practical aspect of development work or policy and, if possible, to undertake their project in collaboration with an organisation involved in development work. In this way you will have the opportunity to gain first-hand professional experience.
The degree is also distinguished by its interdisciplinary character. You will be encouraged to develop a more rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of international development questions and concepts and to use ideas from different disciplines to illuminate your studies. The core modules bring together subject experts from across the University, providing different disciplinary perspectives on key topics. The optional modules allow you to further develop the interdisciplinary character of your studies.
The degree includes an integrated training programme. The training programme connects your academic learning with the development of professional competencies that enhance employability. The training programme brings together postgraduates from all Graduate School Masters degrees, helping you to make new interdisciplinary connections and providing a supportive social aspect to the Graduate School community.
Teaching format
The MSc in International Development Practice is a one-year full-time degree. You will complete one compulsory module in semester 1 (September to December) and a second compulsory module in semester 2 (January to May). You will complete one or two optional modules in each semester.
You will use the period from June to August is used to complete a supervised research project.
The MSc involves both independent and group study, and teaching methods include seminars, workshops, and practical sessions.
Most modules are assessed through coursework including essays, reports, and presentations.
Modules
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2019–2020 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2020 entry.
Each semester is organised around compulsory modules exploring international development theory and practice
Semester 1
- International Development Studies: introduces key questions and concepts in development studies, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.
Semester 2
- Working in International Development: explores development practice and applied skills needed in development roles.
All students will normally complete an optional module in quantitative methods (semester 1) and an optional module in qualitative methods (semester 2). These modules provide training in data methods and complement the compulsory modules.
Alongside the compulsory modules and the data methods modules, you will complete one or two other optional modules in each semester. Optional modules allow you to shape the degree around your own personal and professional interests.
Optional modules are expected to be offered in the following areas:
- sustainable development
- gender studies
- health and development
- managing non-governmental organisations.
You can also take the field methods in conservation and eco-tourism module - a week-long residential field skills module hosted in conjunction with AfriCat at the Okonjima Nature Reserve in Namibia. An additional fee is payable for this module which takes place over the spring break.
Optional modules in other areas may be possible subject to availability and agreement.
Optional modules are subject to change each year and may require a minimum number of students to be offered (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
The final module of the MSc is the research project. The project takes the form of a period of supervised research where you will explore a development topic in depth. Students are encouraged to undertake their project in collaboration with an organisation involved in development work.
You can choose to present your research project as:
- A policy report that emphasises your ability to critically assess development policy and make convincing recommendations for policy changes, or
- A multi-media portfolio that emphasises your ability present development concepts in exciting and engaging ways.
If students choose not to complete the project requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PG Cert or PGDip instead of an MSc.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2020 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies is the University of St Andrews’ newest academic school and has been established to foster interdisciplinary postgraduate education and scholarship.
The Graduate School’s interdisciplinary programmes and community provide postgraduates with a stimulating environment in which you can:
- Learn across subject boundaries and expand your knowledge base, allowing you to maximise the intellectual and professional value of your time at St Andrews.
- Develop and apply practical skills relevant to academic and professional contexts, enhancing your employability.
- Benefit from being part of a vibrant and welcoming postgraduate community and a Graduate School that is wholly focused on understanding and meeting the needs of Masters students.
Funding
Scholarships
Scholarships are designed to help students support themselves during their studies. Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.
Postgraduate loans
Loans are available for students who meet the residency and other criteria. Find out more about postgraduate loans.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews. Find out more about the Recent Graduate Discount.
After the MSc
Research degrees
St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of a St Andrews research degree is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed by means of a substantial thesis of original research.
Careers
The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The MSc in International Development Practice provides the subject knowledge and applied skills needed for development-related careers in government and public bodies, non-governmental organisations and charities, and the private sector.
On this MSc you will:
- Explore development practice and learn applied skills needed for development careers.
- Have the opportunity to undertake a research project in collaboration with a development organisation and gain first-hand experience.
- Demonstrate professional competencies including critical thinking and creativity, analysis and appraisal, problem-solving and decision making, project management and personal leadership, team working and interpersonal communication.
Alongside your studies, you will be able to complete M-Skills, a programme of in-person and online workshops and training materials for Masters students. M-Skills will help you develop the broader academic and personal skills you need to succeed in your degree and enhance your employability.
Additionally, the Careers Centre provides advice and support to help you plan your professional development and achieve your career goals. As well as online resources the Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments to discuss any career-related matters.
Contact
Page amendments
6 December 2019: Information about a new optional module: field methods in conservation and tourism, was added.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
University of St Andrews
Bute Building
Queen's Terrace
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email: gradschool@st-andrews.ac.uk
Page amendments
6 December 2019: Information about a new optional module: field methods in conservation and tourism, was added.
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online (PDF, 72 KB).
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online (PDF, 84 KB).