Africa and Development
Entry requirements
You will need an Honours degree in humanities, social science or another relevant subject, normally at 2:1 or above. Relevant equivalent study and/or experience will also be accepted.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Looking to pursue a career in international development, or explore the field of African Studies? Gain enhanced knowledge of development studies, enriched with insights into African cultures and politics, for a degree that's customised to your interests.
Be part of the University's Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) - a leading Area Studies department for research, ranked 2nd in the UK - and you’ll also benefit from the expertise of the International Development Department (IDD).
The Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) is ranked second among all Area Studies departments in the country for its performance in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, according to Times Higher Education.
By studying MA Africa and Development, you’ll gain a deep understanding of Africa's cultural, political, and historical landscapes. This will shape your understanding of development studies, giving you a degree that’s truly interdisciplinary.
- Explore an extensive range of topics and tailor the programme to your specific areas of interest through your chosen optional modules.
- Join a diverse community of students from across the world who bring a wide range of perspectives to the study of Africa and International Development.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in African studies, anthropology and international development.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service