Program Overview
The Development Studies at University of Sussex is a MA programme in Social Sciences over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of social sciences. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Development Studies programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 12 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 7
- Tuition: GBP 15,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Development Studies programme are prepared for diverse careers in social sciences:
- Policy Analyst
- NGO Programme Manager
- Researcher
- Social Worker
- Diplomat
- Development Consultant
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Dissertation Development Studies
- Ideas in Development and Policy, Evidence and Practice
- Professional Skills for Development
- Research Design
- Aid and Poverty: the Political Economy of International Development Assistance
- Analysing Poverty, Vulnerability and Inequality
- Climate Change and Development
- Competing in the Global Economy
- Decentralisation and local government
- Democracy and Public Policy
- Emerging Powers and International Development
- Empowering Society
- Global Governance
- Governance of Violent Conflict and (In)security
- Health and Development
- Impact Evaluation
- Introduction to Development Economics
- Law, Rights and Development
- Nutrition
- Politics of Implementing Gender and Development
- Poverty Policy and Programmes: Issues in Social Policy
- Poverty, Violence and Conflict
- Public Financial Management
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Sexuality and Development: Intimacies, Health and Rights in Global Perspective
- Sexuality and Masculinity in Gender and Development
- Sociology, Anthropology and the Development Conundrum
- SOUR - unruly politics
- Sustainability and Policy Processes: Issues in Agriculture, Environment and Health
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
You need the following GPA score:
Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).
An upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above in the social sciences or a related discipline, and preferably two years\' development-related work experience. Applications must be accompanied by a detailed, two-page personal statement.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 15,100 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 8,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact University of Sussex directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About University of Sussex
University of Sussex
Moffat, United Kingdom
University of Sussex is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields. The...
University Profile- Application Deadline 1 August 2026
- Start Date 2017-09-25
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
