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Overview
Keep working toward a better world, and creating a vision of what a fairer, interconnected global community could be, with this interdisciplinary Master's in International Development.
Read more about our excellent research in Area StudiesThe University of Portsmouth is ranked the number 1 modern university for research quality in Area Studies.
You'll shape your existing passion and knowledge of the sector into the practical tools, strategies and techniques needed by organisations working in international development.
As well as exploring issues including colonialism and globalisation, you'll tailor the course to your interests by choosing topics that focus on the sustainable development goals closest to your heart - such as education, economics, migration and human insecurity, population health or transitional justice.
You'll be following a wholly-online distance learning programme, designed to give you control over the pace of your learning. All materials are available on demand as you study with us, with seminars organised around your availability rather than a rigid timetable.
You'll also be on a course that's popular with professionals in the field, so whether you're already working in international development or looking for a first role in the sector, you'll be in a position to build your network with fellow practitioners.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Combine sound theoretical learning and practical skills, from literature reviews to empirical research and quantitative data analysis, in a Master's focused on building a fairer world
- Control your own study on a programme designed around distance learning, with your whole course available on-demand from day one
- Engage with fellow students and practitioners through virtual learning tools, such as webinars and forums, and connect with expert lecturers in online video sessions
- Take up placement opportunities to work with NGOs in countries such as Japan or Uganda, and network with professionals in the field taking the course with you
- Focus your research project on particular sustainable development goals, such as ending hunger, promoting better health, creating inclusive societies, promoting gender equality or building sustainable economic growth
Benefits of distance learning
- Work from anywhere, at your own pace, in your own time – with interactive online learning materials hosted on our virtual learning environment, Moodle, and available 24/7 on any device – find out how distance learning works
- Access to over 600,000 ebooks, 55,000 online journals, digital newspapers and a postal loan service from our University Library – see all library support for distance learners
- Invitations to online forums where you can discuss your studies with other students and your lecturers
- Access to all student support services via email, phone, online chat or video call
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
January 2025 start
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English-speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English-speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English-speaking countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English-speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English-speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English-speaking countries will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
All fees are subject to annual increase.
- Full-time: £8,900
- Part-time: £4,450 per year
- Full-time: £8,900
- Part-time: £4,450 per year
- Full-time: £8,900
- Part-time: £4,450 per year
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
All fees are subject to annual increase.
- Full-time: £9,400
- Part-time: £4,700 per year
- Full-time: £9,400
- Part-time: £4,700 per year
- Full-time: £9,400
- Part-time: £4,700 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which relate to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
Core modules
We'll introduce you to social science research strategies and methods of collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Through lectures on quantitative data analysis and online computer workshops on data manipulation, you'll develop data analysis skills and learn how to interpret the results.
You'll explore the complex world of international development through contending definitions, history and real-world strategies, examining colonial legacies, post-war institutions and current approaches.
You'll look at some of the major problems currently facing developing countries, such as aid effectiveness, and learn about the tools used in development practice, including the Project Cycle, the Logframe and Social Enterprise.
With academic guidance, you'll choose your own literature or empirical topic within a field of study that fits the parameters of your intended Master's exit award.
You'll bring together everything you've learned to design and evaluate ethical methodologies, conduct systematic research, and communicate your ideas professionally in your dissertation or report.
Optional modules
You'll develop theoretical and practical knowledge on contemporary approaches to gender mainstreaming in development, exploring theories in gender (including masculinities) alongside the tools used by practitioners in order to measure outcomes and impact according to the differentials of gender.
You'll also look at how a gendered lens can be applied to the design, implementation and budgeting for all development programmes regardless of sectoral focus, gaining practical insight on priorities that uplift all individuals.
You'll analyse barriers and solutions to healthcare access worldwide, questioning assumptions linking development, disease and wellbeing.
You'll evaluate programs tackling key issues from maternal mortality to obesity through an interdisciplinary lens spanning history, culture and economics.
You'll also gain essential literacy to interpret statistics and trends, and develop your own recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
You'll explore issues including education systems as drivers of change and as sources of inequalities, fair access to a quality education, adult education and skills training, teacher education and support, language policy and development, and education and conflict.
You'll develop theoretical knowledge and professional skills that will enhance your ability to work as a manager, planner, practitioner and/or educator in a development context.
By evaluating effects across multiple levels, you'll gain nuanced insight into migration's impacts on human rights, economic development, community belonging and personal growth.
Through critically analysing case studies, you'll grapple directly with the promise and peril that migration poses for human security.
You'll consider issues of gender, class, and ethnicity to appreciate migrants' voices within larger structural contexts.
Part-time
Core modules
We'll introduce you to social science research strategies and methods of collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative data, including in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
Through lectures on quantitative data analysis and online computer workshops on data manipulation, you'll develop data analysis skills and learn how to interpret the results.
You'll explore the complex world of international development through contending definitions, history and real-world strategies, examining colonial legacies, post-war institutions and current approaches.
You'll look at some of the major problems currently facing developing countries, such as aid effectiveness, and learn about the tools used in development practice, including the Project Cycle, the Logframe and Social Enterprise.
Core modules
With academic guidance, you'll choose your own literature or empirical topic within a field of study that fits the parameters of your intended Master's exit award.
You'll bring together everything you've learned to design and evaluate ethical methodologies, conduct systematic research, and communicate your ideas professionally in your dissertation or report.
Optional modules
You'll develop theoretical and practical knowledge on contemporary approaches to gender mainstreaming in development, exploring theories in gender (including masculinities) alongside the tools used by practitioners in order to measure outcomes and impact according to the differentials of gender.
You'll also look at how a gendered lens can be applied to the design, implementation and budgeting for all development programmes regardless of sectoral focus, gaining practical insight on priorities that uplift all individuals.
You'll analyse barriers and solutions to healthcare access worldwide, questioning assumptions linking development, disease and wellbeing.
You'll evaluate programs tackling key issues from maternal mortality to obesity through an interdisciplinary lens spanning history, culture and economics.
You'll also gain essential literacy to interpret statistics and trends, and develop your own recommendations for policymakers and practitioners.
You'll explore issues including education systems as drivers of change and as sources of inequalities, fair access to a quality education, adult education and skills training, teacher education and support, language policy and development, and education and conflict.
You'll develop theoretical knowledge and professional skills that will enhance your ability to work as a manager, planner, practitioner and/or educator in a development context.
By evaluating effects across multiple levels, you'll gain nuanced insight into migration's impacts on human rights, economic development, community belonging and personal growth.
Through critically analysing case studies, you'll grapple directly with the promise and peril that migration poses for human security.
You'll consider issues of gender, class, and ethnicity to appreciate migrants' voices within larger structural contexts.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 16 months (full-time study, January start)
- 2 years (part-time study)
You can expect to spend 25 hours each week studying this course, and you'll arrange your hours to suit yourself. Webinar sessions are arranged to suit students' needs, and are recorded for those who can't attend a session live.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree.
Teaching methods
Teaching on this course is entirely through distance learning. You'll get all course materials, readings, lectures notes and additional material through our virtual learning environment.
You'll be taught through:
- webinars
- discussion forums
- one-on-one tutorials
- lectures
- skype meetings
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- essays
- reports
- policy briefs
- discussion forums
- data analysis project
- social enterprise project
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. This includes group discussions, peer review activities, and virtual seminars.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
You'll be enhancing your skills for roles in international development, whether that means working with a charitable organisation, NGO or, increasingly, a private sector partner in the field. As a graduate of this Master's, you'll be able to demonstrate your skills and commitment to the demanding employers in this competitive strand of international charity work.
You'll have built professional networks and the ability to identify career opportunities during your studies. Your lecturers, career advisors and peers can all offer advice and guidance about entering or progressing in your international development career.
You'll also be well placed for doctoral research in the field.
Graduates of this course have taken on roles such as:
- Policy manager
- Evaluation officer
The new career is very rewarding. I'm working with UNICEF Thailand on an evaluation of its country programme and as well with another NGO with projects across Africa and the Middle East on gender and technology. Very fun and meaningful work. I feel like after now doing a lot of hands-on methodology building, research tool development, interviews and report writing, that I'd be great and ready to work towards a PhD.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Placements and industry connections
This Master's is popular with people working in the field, as it gives you instant access to a network of international development practitioners. Your lecturers are engaged in research and consultancy activity with NGOs, charities and other organisations in the sector, and you'll be well placed to apply for placement opportunities with local and global organisations while on this course.
Previous students have taken up placements teaching English in Uganda with the Ashinago internship programme, and on the UN online volunteering programme.
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2025
Apply now (Full-time) – 1 year
Apply now (Part-time) – 2 years
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.