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MSc Applied International Development
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Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
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Year of entry
2025/26 -
Course duration
Full Time: 12 months Part Time: 24 months
Study the theory and practice of international and community development with our MSc Applied International Development master’s degree.
Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).
This programme will develop your understanding of the theoretical frameworks needed for analysis of social change brought about by planned development interventions.
Choose MSc Applied International Development at the University of Reading
You will:
- join the highest ranking UK university, and one of the top 20 universities in the world, for Agriculture and Forestry (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). We are the only UK university ranked in the top 50.
- develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the complex factors that influence effective planned interventions for positive development outcomes – a requirement for working within the international development sector.
- explore development issues at international and community levels.
- apply the analysis of development through policy and practice.
Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics, based in the 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.
MSc Applied International Development pathways
This degree is suitable for graduates from any discipline and allows you to design your own programme based on your personal and professional interests.
Study pathways include:
- Agricultural and Social Development
- Social Policy and Sustainable Livelihoods
- Development Policy and Planning
- Social and Economic Development
- Law and Development
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 seminar speakers. There is also a series of department and research division talks and events.
You will have the option to select modules outside of your chosen pathway, and receive module guidance from our programme coordinators at the start of the year to ensure your choices – and your pathway – fully reflects your learning needs and career aspirations.
You can also 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 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 Applied International 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.
- Download a copy of the GIIDAE brochure, which tells you more about postgraduate study in our School.