MA Africa and Development

This programme combines development studies with an interdisciplinary focus on Africa. It is ideal for those who wish to pursue careers in international development, as well as students planning to pursue doctoral research on aspects of development in Africa.

Africa is one of the most important sites of international development interventions, and historically one of the sites where much of the academic discipline of development studies was forged.

This programme draws on the expertise of the University’s Department of African Studies and Anthropology (DASA) and International Development Department (IDD) to provide an in-depth exploration of the relationship between development studies and Africa.

It provides an advanced understanding of the African cultural, political and historical circumstances which have been formative in the constitution of development studies as a field, and which have shaped the impact of development interventions in the continent.

This programme offers an excellent opportunity for students who want to both master the tools of development thinking and how best to apply them in developing a nuanced and informed understanding of the complex and dynamic realities of Africa and its Diasporas.

It offers an impressive range of disciplinary specialisations and diversity of modules, as well as a variety of academic-related activities designed to enhance the student learning experience.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

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Modules

  • African Media and Popular Culture
  • Modern Ghana
  • Urban Africa
  • Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa
  • Independent Study
  • Letting Them Speak: Ethnographies of Marginalisation
  • Research Skills and Methods in African Studies
  • Authoritarianism and Development
  • Conflict and Development
  • Democracy and Development
  • Development Cooperation Beyond Aid
  • Development in Practice
  • Development Politics
  • Development Projects and Programmes
  • Disability and Inclusive Development
  • Disaster Management
  • Economics for Development Practitioners
  • Environment and Sustainable Development
  • Gender and Development
  • Governance and Statebuilding
  • Human Resource Management and Development
  • Making Policy
  • Non-Governmental Organisations and Development
  • Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development
  • Poverty, Inequality and Development
  • Public Economic Management
  • Public Financial Management
  • Public Management and Leadership
  • Public Sector Reform
  • Rural Poverty and Development
  • Social Analysis of Inequality, Poverty and Development
  • Urban Poverty and Policy
  • Use our magical AI system, to check your admission chances for this course.
    £24,120 Per Year

    International student tuition fee

    1 Year

    Duration

    Sep 2025

    Start Month

    Aug 2025

    Application Deadline

    Upcoming Intakes

    • September 2025
    • September 2026

    Mode of Study

    • Full Time