Issues such as aid, debt, foreign direct investment, trade and financial integration are key topics in this Masters in International Development. You will be taught methods of analysing the possible economic effects of aid (in particular, on public expenditure, investment and growth); the possible social and political effects of aid (in particular on poverty eradication, welfare, corruption and good governance); and the underlying theories of development that govern financial assistance by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Programme overview

• MSc: 12 months full-time;

You will take four core courses and select three optional courses.

Core courses

• Aid and development
• International trade
• The IMF, World Bank and economic growth 
• Research methods and dissertation training (a non-credit bearing course).

Optional courses

• Basic econometrics
• Development policy 
• Financial institutions and markets in developing countries 
• Foreign direct investment and development 
• Growth and development 
• Policies for sustainability and development 
• Project planning, appraisal and implementation 
• Theory and principles of sustainability 
• The economics of inequality and deprivation.

Optional courses are also offered in Politics and Economic & Social History.

You will also write a dissertation of between 12,000 and 15,000 words.

Career prospects

As a graduate of this programme you will have the skills necessary for practitioners advising on policies or with an active role in international development projects. The programme will equip you with the necessary analytical toolkit to undertake research in the field of international development.

Academic entry requirements

You should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree or non-UK equivalent (eg, a GPA of 3.0 or above) in Economics or in a related discipline, with at least 3 credit-bearing courses in economics or development studies. Applicants with less than 3 courses in Economics or Development may be considered if they have relevant work experience. Applicants who do not have such a background but intend to pursue further studies in the area of development economics are advised to apply for the MSc Development Studies.

International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of foundation courses.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0, with writing at 6.5
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 115; minimum Listening: 28; Reading: 29; Writing: 30; Speaking:26

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:

• UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
• UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office: pgadmissions@glasgow.ac.uk

Apply now

For 2013-14

MSc