MSc International Development (Online)
Key information
- Start date
- Duration
- 2 years
- Start of programme
- April / October
- Attendance mode
- Part Time
- Location
- Online
- Fees
-
MA/MSc: £12,000
PGDip/PGCert: available as exit awards. - Course code
- OLTF0020
- Entry requirements
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We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher.
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Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0
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Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno
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Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%
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Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)
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Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5
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Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67
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Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR 4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0
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Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor: 60% or 12/20
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Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year
Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%
-
Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana
Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2
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Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%
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Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0
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Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0
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Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0
-
Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
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Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+
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Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%
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Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7
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China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)
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Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0
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Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0
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Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0
Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic
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Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13
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Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 6.5/10
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Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7
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Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
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Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C
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Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0
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Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0
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France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
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Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%
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Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good
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Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0
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Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)
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Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours
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Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10
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India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0
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Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
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Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good
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Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II
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Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%
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Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110
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Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% / Good/ B or 2.7/ 4.0
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Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%
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Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0
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Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0
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Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0
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Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0
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Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10
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Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20
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Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0
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Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0
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Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2
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Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0
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Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0 or B- (Class 2 Division 2)
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Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%
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Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB
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Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10
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Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
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Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0
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Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0
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Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0
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New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C
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Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
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Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%
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Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0
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Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B
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Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude
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Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0
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Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0
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Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20
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Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%
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Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good
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Sierra Leone: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0
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Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0
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Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C
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Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10
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Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry
Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A
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South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%
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South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5
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Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0
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Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0
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St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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St Vincent and thr Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
-
Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B
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Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)
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Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5
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Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university
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Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0
-
Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0
-
Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0
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Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI
Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons
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Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20
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Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0. All others: 2.8/4.0
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Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B
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Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5
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United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+
Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates
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United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0
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Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0
-
Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0
-
Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0
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Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)
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In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
See international entry requirements and English language requirements.
Course overview
The online MSc International Development builds on the established global reputation of the Development Studies department as one of the top places in the world to study international development.
We welcome applications from those who have worked in development, however broadly defined, but also from students without relevant work experience who can demonstrate a strong interest in, and understanding of, issues pertaining to international development.
International Development is a dynamic field concerned not only with processes of change in the Global South, but also of social, economic, political and cultural change in middle income countries and the Global North. The perspective of International Development analyses these processes as interdependent and engages major policy challenges as well as efforts to overcome poverty and insecurity while also presenting a structural analysis.
Programme
This programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in the political economy and sociology of development and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.
Some topics will include:
- conceptualising and questioning development
- marxism, dependency and structuralism
- gender and development
- measuring development
- neoclassical economics, neoliberalism and development
- global institutions, agendas and development targets
- industrial policy
- agriculture and agrarian change
- labour and labour markets
- decolonial approaches to development
Why study MSc International Development (Online) with SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023).
- Our degrees are inter-disciplinary, combining political-economy, politics, anthropology, and history approaches to analyse processes of development in different contexts around the world.
- Our academic staff create an intellectually stimulating and challenging space across the many branches of international development and humanitarianism that make up Development Studies.
- All modules engage with questions of climate crisis, recognising its impact and interaction with processes of inequality and change.
- Our staff specialise in a range of thematic areas including sustainability and climate change, migration and displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, labour, political ecology, and aid and institutions.
- Combined with exceptional resources and our interdisciplinary approach, we offer a unique learning and research opportunity for our diverse and vibrant student community.
Who should apply?
The MSc programme’s emphasis on transferable analytical skills has been of great benefit to the many graduates who have returned to, or taken up, professional careers in development in international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations
Explore
Structure
Students must take 180 credits comprised of one core and three elective modules totalling 120 credits, four supporting mini modules and a 60-credit dissertation.
- Core modules: A core module is required for the degree programme, so must always be taken and passed before you move on to the next module. The core modules are offered in every session.
- Guided modules: These are designed to help students design their own intellectual journey while maintaining a strong grasp of the fundamentals.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously delivered as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Core
Dissertation
Guided Options - List B - other ODL departments
0 or 30 credits to be selected from List B
Guided Options - List A - home department
60 or 90 credits to be selected from List A
Teaching and learning
This programme is delivered 100% online through Moodle.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
In Moodle, you will have access to learning materials and course resources anytime so that you can fit your studies around your existing commitments. There are also a number of seminars and tutorials which are scheduled to fit students’ schedules and time-zones.
For each module, students will be provided with electronic access through the SOAS Library, to all necessary materials from a range of appropriate sources.
There are two key components of the student experience which distinguish online learning from our other programmes:
- Discussion forums: peer-to-peer learning and engagement guided by the tutor.
- E-tivities: assessments which are formulated around a pedagogy of academic skills development which culminate in the submission of assessments, known as e-tivities.
Study timetable
In addition to a dedicated Associate Tutor, a study timetable is provided for each module and for the overall programme to help you to plan and organise your time.
The programme is broken down into two study sessions per year (October to February and April to August). Each subject module lasts 16 weeks, followed by a dissertation mini module lasting 8 weeks.
Activity | Duration |
---|---|
Substantive module | 16 weeks |
Reading weeks | 2 weeks |
Research mini module | 6 weeks |
Reading weeks | 2 weeks |
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of formative and summative assessment. The variety of assessments on our modules aims to develop a range of critical, analytical and writing skills. All assessments are submitted online.
Research training and dissertation
The dissertation module is presented in four development parts, which will follow each of your module sessions. Research modules one and three are formative modules only and are not assessed.
The dissertation is assessed by the submission of a research proposal in research module two and the final dissertation of no more than 10,000 words at the end of research module four.
Pre-entry reading
- Marois, Thomas (2012) States, Banks and Crisis: Emerging Finance Capitalism in Mexico and Turkey. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing.
- Mezzadri, Alessandra (2017) The Sweatshop Regime: Labouring Bodies, Exploitation and Garments Made in India. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Shah, Alpa and Lerche, Jens and Axelby, Richard and Denbabaali, D. and Donegan, B. and Raj, J. and Thakur, Vineet (2017) Ground Down by Growth: Inequality in 21st century India. London: Pluto.
- Vergara-Camus, Leandro (2014) Land and Freedom. The Peasant Development Alternatives to Neoliberalism of the Landless People in Brazil and the Zapatista Movement in Chiapas. London: Zed Books.
Scholarships
Title | Deadline date |
---|---|
DS-CeDEP Online Learning bursary |
Fees and funding
MA/MSc | PGDip* | PGCert* |
---|---|---|
£12,000 | See below | See below |
* PGDip and PGCert are available as exit awards.
- See online learning fees for further information.
Pay as you learn
Our online programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you pay for modules prior to enrolment.
Postgraduate loans
If you have been a resident in England for three years you may be eligible. For more information, please see postgraduate funding and finance.
Application
To make an application, please visit how to apply (ODL).
Employment
A degree from the Department of Development Studies at SOAS will further develop your understanding of the world and how society is organised, with specific focus on violence and conflict, the role of aid, refugees and forced migration. Graduates leave with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical skills and cultural awareness.
Recent Department of Development Studies graduates have been hired by:
- Amnesty International
- BBC World Service
- British Embassy Brussels
- Department for International Development
- Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
- Embassy of Japan
- Government of Pakistan
- Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- KPMG LLP
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Overseas Development Institute
- Oxfam
- Royal Norwegian Embassy
- Save the Children UK
- Thinking Beyond Borders
- US Department of State
- UN World Food Programme
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees
- WaterAid
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