Communication for Development

Rapid changes in the global communication landscape – changing technologies, communication processes and communication opportunities – offer new ways to understand and improve how we can use communication to address livelihoods, reduce poverty, and develop communities.

Through this programme, you’ll develop your understanding of how communication can support individual and social change and lead to more effective and dynamic development policy and programmes.

The practical application of communication in development is diverse, including areas such as:

• extension and advisory service
• communication and climate change risk reduction
• communicating about health challenges
• facilitating driving and enabling change.

The MSc Communication for Development programme is particularly relevant for:

• professionals who have, or are seeking, extension responsibilities
• media professionals who would like to work in development communication
• individuals working with communities on livelihoods and agricultural development projects
• people working in the community health sector
• people with broad experience in development looking for a focus on communication
• those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development.

Choose MSc Communication for Development at the University of Reading

You will:

• join the highest-ranking UK university for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 - Agriculture & Forestry). We’re ranked 11th in the world, and are the only UK university in the top 50.
• build a critical understanding of communication for development theory and practise in the diverse contexts of international and local development.
• strengthen your professional competence in the design, planning and management of communication interventions.
• focus on practical application of new knowledge and skills to support communication in social change.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.