MSc Communication for Development

Develop the knowledge and skills to support social change through communication with our MSc Communication for Development.

Study at one of the UK’s leading universities for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 4th in the People and Planet University League, 2024/25).

The changing global communication landscape – information technologies, communication processes and communication opportunities – offer new ways to understand and improve how we can use communication to address livelihoods, reduce poverty, and support community development.

Through this programme, you’ll develop your understanding of how communication can support individual and social change and lead to more effective and dynamic development policy and programmes.

The practical application of communication in development is diverse, including areas such as:

• agricultural extension and advisory services
• communication and climate adaptation and resilience
• communicating about healthand health promotion
• facilitating, driving and enabling change
• communication as a driver of rural development.

The MSc Communication for Development programme is particularly relevant for:

• development practitioners who would like to use communication in their development practice
• professionals who have, or are seeking, extension responsibilities
• media and marketing professionals who would like to work in development communication
• individuals working with communities on livelihoods and rural development projects
• people working in the community health sector
• those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development.

Choose MSc Communication for Development at the University of Reading

You will:

• join the highest placed UK university for Agriculture and Forestry at 20th in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2025), with its own farms and specialist facilities
• build a critical understanding of communication for development theory and practise in the diverse contexts of international and local development.
• strengthen your professional competence in the design, planning and management of communication interventions.
• focus on the practical application of new knowledge and skills to support communication in social change.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. 

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external speakers. There are also department and research division talks and events related to the complex issues in international and rural development.

You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change, and you can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

• interactive learning methods
• seminars
• lectures
• tutorials
• participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
• field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Communication for Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

• GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
• Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.