International Development

Entry requirements

We will consider applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in a relevant social science* or humanities subject area, including education, the social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, arts or business/management. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and every application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

While we normally only accept applicants who meet this criteria, if you are coming from a different academic background which is equivalent to degree level or have relevant work experience, particularly in the International Development sector, we would welcome your application.

*Accepted social science subjects include:

• Anthropology
• Archaeology
• Area and Development Studies
• Criminology
• Demography
• Development Studies
• Economics
• Economic and Social History
• Education
• Environmental Planning
• Human Geography
• International Relations
• Law
• Linguistics
• Management and Business Studies
• Media and Communication Studies
• Philosophy
• Politics and International Studies
• Psychology
• Science and Technology Studies
• Social Policy
• Social Statistics, Methods, and Computing
• Social Work
• Socio Legal Studies
• Sociology

We would encourage applicants to use their personal statement to indicate their interests in International Development and any relevant work experience.

Please note, if we receive an application which we deem more suitable for one of our other programmes, we may make an offer for that alternative programme instead.

Months of entry

September

Course content

• You will acquire theoretical and analytical skills to address critical challenges developing and emerging economies, including poverty, inequality, climate change, migration and displacement, health, and violence and conflict.
• Learn from world-leading experts with extensive hands-on experience in development management and consulting.
• Benefit from practice-oriented training that provides the skills and experience needed for a career in international development, including roles in governmental and non-governmental organisations.
• Enjoy the flexibility to choose between a rigorous academic-oriented dissertation or a career-focused, consultancy-based research project.
• Join our global network of research partnerships, international development and policy organisations.

We will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the main theories of global development and consider core debates that have emerged from the early 20th Century to the current day. Our programme is interdisciplinary in nature, encompassing politics, political economy, sociology, and anthropology. We will encourage you to become independent, critical, and inquisitive researchers and provide you with the opportunity to develop your practical skills in project management.

Our wide range of optional modules enable you to tailor your degree to your career interests covering topics such as international relations, conflict and security, global governance and international development in the Middle East.

Information for international students

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Fees and funding

We invest heavily in scholarships for talented prospective Masters students. This is in addition to the UK Government’s Postgraduate Loan Scheme. For information on how you can fund your postgraduate degree at the University of Exeter, please visit the postgraduate study pages on our website.