MSc in International Development Management

International development is the multidisciplinary study of how communities and states attain the economic, socio-political and other characteristics associated with development. This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary understanding of international development; examine the possibilities for development in a globalising world; understand the reasons for the persistence of global poverty and inequality and how current development paradigms contribute to poverty reduction and human development; apply development theory to enhance development practice at the grassroots; and identify, design and implement appropriate interventions to improve development outcomes. It provides the practical skills required for employment in the development sector, including how to design, implement and manage development projects.

This course is taught through evening classes at our Teaching Centre in central Kuala Lumpur and therefore appropriate for individuals living and working in the city. The degree is eligible for the University’s Developing Solutions Scholarship.

Career prospects

The degree is open to applicants from any background. It equips you with the transferable skills required by most agencies working in the development sector, and therefore provides an excellent springboard if you wish to further or pursue your professional career in development agencies, aid and relief organisations, charities and NGOs, international organisations, local and national government, think-tanks, policy advice and lobbying.

Course structure

You will be required to complete 180 credits over the period of your studies: 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation, based on your own original research. The full-time and part-time evening class variant of the degree is taught at our city-centre facility, The Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre, at the Chulan Tower, Jalan Conlay – a great option for those based in Kuala Lumpur and in full-time employment.

image courtesy of University of Nottingham Malaysia

Modules

Typical core modules

• Dissertation: International Development
• Field Technologies
• Introduction to International Development
• Research Methods and Design

Typical optional modules

• Civil Society and Global Development
• Contemporary Diplomacy
• Contemporary Public Policy
• Development and Governance: Building Democracy in the Developing World
• Global Perspectives on International Relations
• Global Political Economy
• Human Security
• International Business
• Modern languages (French, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)
• Politics by other means: Terrorism in Contemporary South and Southeast Asia
• Postgraduate internship
• The International Relations of South East Asia

Entry requirements

A relevant second class honours degree (or international equivalent). Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard. Mature applicants without any standard entry requirements but are holders of approved professional qualifications equivalent to first degrees, or have gained prior learning or experience at an appropriate level may be considered.

Applicants must have graduated from an approved university. Other equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element).
• TOEFL (iBT): 87 (minimum 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements).
• PTE (Academic): 62 (with no less than 55 in each element).
• MUET: Band 4.

IELTS, TOEFL and PTE (Academic) test results must be less than two years old and all IELTS must be the academic version of the test. MUET results are valid for five years from the date of the release of results.