International Development

The University of Edinburgh
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Sociology

About this course

This programme engages critically with international development theory and practice, and more broadly with processes of social, political and economic transformation around the world.

The MSc in International Development will assist students in developing a deep understanding of development processes in the Global South, and how international thinking and development practice has impacted around the world. Students will gain critical skills in analysing development policy and undertaking research in the context of developing countries.

The MSc programme seeks to contextualise and analyse the processes that have shaped poverty and underdevelopment in developing countries, and the many responses to them. The programme offers a grounded and multi-disciplinary grasp of issues of development in global, national and local contexts for students interested in pursuing a career in development agencies, research, the public sector and non-governmental organisations.

Who this programme is for

This programme is designed to suit the needs of both recent graduates of various disciplines, and professionals with some work experience who want to change careers, upgrade their academic qualifications, or take a year out to reflect critically on their work.

Although most students will move on after one year to development-related positions, some may use the programme as a pathway into our PhD in International Development.

Study Options

This course is available in 2 study options:

Part-time

Duration: 2 Years

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Full-time Shown above

Duration: 1 Year

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

3544 Data analysts
2435 Professional/Chartered company secretaries
4113 Officers of non-governmental organisations
2434 Business and related research professionals
3543 Project support officers
2439 Business, research and administrative professionals

Course Details

Qualification
MSc
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start Date
2025
Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Edinburgh
Scheme
Postgraduate
Subjects
Sociology