Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy) MSc

Understand how politics, governance and policy shape development outcomes in the Global South.

MSc Global Development (Politics, Governance and Development Policy) examines the political dimensions of development, with a focus on the institutions, processes and power dynamics that influence change.

You will explore how governance and development policy are shaped across global, national and local contexts, and consider how political challenges affect development outcomes in the Global South.

The course is designed for students who want to understand the barriers and pathways towards more legitimate, democratic and pro-poor forms of governance.

You will examine how political institutions and actors influence development processes, and engage critically with debates around democracy, accountability, participation, inequality and social justice.

You will develop analytical and policy-focused skills to assess how development interventions are designed, implemented and experienced in real-world settings. The course supports you to connect theoretical debates with practical development challenges, including through opportunities to take part in fieldwork observing development interventions in action.

Studying at Manchester places you within the Global Development Institute, one of the largest development-focused research and teaching institutes in Europe. You will be part of a university ranked in the world’s top five for Development Studies, with opportunities to engage with a diverse community of students and researchers focused on global development challenges.

The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in government, international organisations, NGOs, civil society organisations, policy, research, advocacy, consultancy and development practice.