MSc Development Finance

Course overview

• Study the theoretical approaches concerning development issues.
• Gain a detailed knowledge of the key issues and debates in economic development.
• Gain an appreciation of the diversity of development policies.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2019, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MSc (full-time)
• UK/EU students (per annum): £12,500 
• International students (per annum): £22,000
• MSc (part-time)
• UK/EU students (per annum): £6,250 
• International students (per annum): £11,000

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued.

Entry requirements

_{English language}

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:

• IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other subsections 
• Pearson PTE overall score of 59 with a minimum score of 59 in the written section and 51 in all other subsections 
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169

_{English language test validity}

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

_{Other international entry requirements}

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Application and selection

_{How to apply}

Apply online  (from 8 October 2018)

_{Advice to applicants}

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English please provide official translations;
• two written references, one of which should be familiar with your academic work, signed, dated and stamped by the referee and on official headed paper;
• a personal statement (500-700 words) addressing how MSc in Development Finance will contribute to your future career plans ;
• your CV;
• copies of English Language Certification, eg IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents, as the delay caused in having to seek any missing documents from you might adversely prejudice your application.

_{How your application is considered}

Applications for MSc Development Finance are extremely competitive and, as places are limited, we give preference to those eligible applicants who best meet our selection criteria.

When considering your application we will look at a number of factors. We will assess whether you meet our minimum entry requirements and, in addition, we will look at your individual academic performance within your class, the curriculum of the course you have studied, and where you have studied.

Please note, if you meet our minimum entry requirements but due to the high demand for the programme we are unable to make you an offer immediately, you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available. 

Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.

If you decide to accept your offer, when you arrive in Manchester you will be required to show to us the original documents which demonstrate your academic qualifications and your English language ability.

Teaching and learning

Please note that field visits may be scheduled at any point during the course, including during University vacations. You are expected to be available to attend.

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over 27 months.  There are no evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme, therefore if you are considering taking a programme on a part-time basis, you should discuss the requirements with the Programme Director first and seek approval from your employer to have the relevant time off. Timetabling information is normally available from late August from the Programme Administrator and you will have the opportunity to discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

Coursework and assessment

The taught elements of the course, carrying 120 credits overall, is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (eg project-based reports, essays), involving largely individual submissions, but also elements of group work.

You must also complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on a topic of your choice approved by the Programme Directors. You are encouraged to base your dissertation on topics of direct professional concern.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students.

In addition, the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class Bachelors degree and are progressing to a postgraduate taught masters course for September 2018 entry.

For more information, see Fees and funding or search the University's postgraduate funding database .

Career opportunities

This course is intended primarily for those with experience of international organisations, the public/private sector and NGOs, those involved in policy formulation and implementation, or those intending to pursue a career in the field of development finance.

The Global Development Institute (GDI) will equip you with the skills for specialist positions in development-related NGOs and public and private organisations. Potential careers include:

• international development;
• non-governmental organisations;
• central and local government;
• project implementation;
• consultancy;
• charity;
• urban and regional development policy;
• human resources;
• education;
• information and communication technologies;
• project management;
• research.

Top employers of our GDI graduates include:

• African Union;
• Oxfam;
• IDB;
• Care;
• Mercy Corps;
• The British Council;
• the World Bank;
• the Department for International Development.

Visit the MSc Development Finance page on the University of Manchester website for more details!