Program Overview
The International Development at The University of Edinburgh is a MSc programme in Humanities 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 humanities. 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 International Development 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 19,300 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the International Development programme are prepared for diverse careers in humanities:
- Researcher / Academic
- Cultural Programme Manager
- Editor / Writer
- Translator / Interpreter
- Museum Curator
- Communications Specialist
Program Curriculum
You will complete a total of six courses over two semesters from September to April.
Three courses are compulsory and three are optional.
From May to August, you will complete either a placement-based dissertation or a standard research dissertation.
Placement-based dissertation
The placement-based dissertation option aims to offer you the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.
The placements will generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:
- NGOs and charities
- social enterprises
- think-tanks
- government bodies
Your placement can be completed either in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format. You will have the option to arrange your own placement, subject to University approval.
A placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and will be assigned based on competitive applications.
Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option on our website
Research dissertation
Alternatively, you may wish to explore an academic issue or theme in greater depth by choosing to complete a faculty-based research dissertation. This will be based on fieldwork and/or print and library sources.
Compulsory courses
Our core courses offer foundational skills in critical thinking and research that encompass development theories, people-centred development perspectives, as well as practical key skills for development practice.
We also run a compulsory non-credit course that supports you with research skills throughout the year towards developing your dissertation research project.
Option courses
The programme offers a wide range of recommended option courses that allow you to deepen your specialisation based on your individual interests.
The courses are taught by our team of recognised experts in the field from the School of Social and Political Sciences and beyond, including Business, Geosciences, Law, and Education
Additional option courses beyond those recommended by the Programme Director each year can also be chosen from across the entire University.
Find courses for this programme
Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.
The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.
Full-time
We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
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).
A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.
English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 19,300 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 19,300 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 12,300 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 7
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact The University of Edinburgh 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 The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
University of Edinburgh (Universitas Academica Edinburgensis) is a historic and globally respected public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, founded in 1583, making it one of the...
University Profile- Application Deadline 2014-07-18
- Start Date 2018-09-01
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
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