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MSc Poverty, Inequality and Development

The Poverty, Inequality and Development programme from University of Birmingham will enable you to study development with a specific focus on poverty and inequality, which are both key aspects of the current development policy discourse.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £22,950 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

On this Poverty, Inequality and Development programme from University of Birmingham, you will explore theories of development in historical context from 1945 up to the present day in a core compulsory module. The theories are then applied to contemporary development approaches and issues. Throughout, the emphasis is on you developing a critical understanding of the evolution of development theories over the last half century and its implications for present day thinking about development.

The relevance of sociological categories of class, religion, ethnicity and gender in both disaggregating levels of poverty and inequality, and in understanding the processes which foster poverty and inequality in development will be explored in one of the two modules which give this programme its particular identity and focus.

Issues examined include:

  • definitions and indicators of poverty
  • inequality and development
  • causes of poverty and inequality
  • poverty reduction strategies
  • cross-cutting issues such as gender and conflict
  • practical policy, programme and research skills.

Courses included:

  • International Development
  • Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development
  • Poverty, Inequality and Development

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The knowledge and skills gained in the programme will equip graduates for jobs in international, national and local government and non-governmental organizations, think tanks and consultancies.

Requirements

  • An upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university or an equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field (the equivalent US Grade Point Average is 3.2) or
  • A lower second-class Honours degree from an approved university with excellent work experience.
  • Adequate capacity in written and spoken English. Find out more about international entry requirements.
  • Degrees from all disciplines are considered and a candidate’s work experience can also be taken into consideration.

Learn more