International Development MSc

Birkbeck, University of London

This course in international development and social justice is unique in its exploration of the structures, theories and histories that shape international development. Why choose this course? It offers you a transformative approach to learning about international development, the unequal global relationships that underpin it, and the social and political movements that challenge and redefine development in an era of rising inequalities and climate crisis. You will be taught by academics who draw on their cutting-edge research to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the course’s themes. It is ideal if you are planning a career in international development, or working with international organisations, NGOs or social movements. You will have the opportunity to take part in a unique interdisciplinary field trip to Dakar, Senegal. What you will learn This course introduces you to key approaches to international development and social justice and equips you with the specific skills required to conduct development research. It offers you a comprehensive understanding of themes including: childhood and international development cities in the Global South climate justice development as colonialism diasporas gender, sexualities and development global health the political economy of aid racism and international development and social movements and revolutions. You will choose from a range of option modules, which will allow you to develop specific expertise in some of these areas. You will also have the opportunity to complete an extended piece of research on a topic of your choice, supported by a dissertation supervisor with expertise in the field, helping you to further develop and apply your research skills. How you will learn This course is primarily taught through a combination of lectures, which are also recorded for you to watch at your convenience, and seminars involving small group discussions and other collaborative activities with your lecturers and fellow students. Outside of class, you will engage with online readings and multi-media content. For your dissertation, you will receive one-to-one supervision from an expert academic. This course is available to study full- or part-time, with classes taking place in the evening. We offer this course as a Master’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. This course is part of our Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both. If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you will only be able to apply for the on-campus study option for this course. Online and flexible options will not be available to you because they may affect the conditions of your visa.

School of Social Sciences