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University of Glasgow: Global Development

Institution University of Glasgow View institution profile
Department School of Social and Political Sciences View department profile
Web www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical
Study type Taught

Summary

Our Masters in Global Development explores the challenges people, states and corporations face in addressing demands for growth, citizenship and wellbeing in the Global South. You will engage with existing and emerging solutions to meet these demands, and the range of actors and policies striving to deliver better development outcomes. Drawing on the University of Glasgow’s strengths in global development studies, international relations, politics, economic & social history, sociology and social policy, you will understand the deeply embedded challenges of addressing inequalities in Global South settings and what failing to address them means, for everyone.

WHY THIS PROGRAMME - This programme offers cutting-edge perspectives on development at a time when aid and multilateralism are under strain, and where the work of development is being distributed across a wider range of public, private and third sector organisations.

  • You will gain vital skills for working in this new era of development policy. Innovative teaching will show how development operates beyond aid, builds necessary advocacy & diplomacy skills, and explores the uses of AI & Big Data.

  • Our courses have been designed around employability and address key skills gaps identified by partners working in the development sector. You will benefit from exposure to a range of current and emerging development challenges and case studies with solutions analysed from diverse perspectives.

  • Opportunities to learn outside the classroom are available through our connections with development practitioners in both the UK and overseas, including the global development teams of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office situated in nearby East Kilbride.

  • The city of Glasgow is renowned for its focus on sustainable development and the legacy as host of COP26 in 2021. Glasgow has a thriving third sector and a rich history of grassroots movements and community organising.

  • You will have opportunities to build an international network in an inclusive learning environment as you work with students and staff across programmes, including at our annual student-led conference.

  • International Relations at Glasgow is ranked 5th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE You will take three core and three optional courses, enabling you to create a Masters programme that is tailored to your personal aims and objectives.

Courses are delivered across two semesters, followed by an independent research project that provides an opportunity for in-depth critical exploration of your chosen development challenge.

Core courses Data for Development Contemporary Global Challenges Paying for Development: Policy and Politics in a Post-Aid World

Optional courses Climate, Energy and International Relations Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Economy Globalisation: Challenges from the South Development and the Global South: African Experiences since 1945 Development Policy Gender, Race and International Relations Global Development and Human Rights Health Economics in Developing Countries International Relations and Development Latin American Development from Independence to the Present Skills for Development Social Justice Activism in the Information Age

Research project Global Challenges Independent Research Project

CAREER PROSPECTS Early in the programme you will be given advice and support on career pathways and how to achieve them. Careers that Global Development MSc graduates would be well-prepared and suited to do include:

  • Civil and diplomatic services

  • International organisations such as the United Nations or the European Union

  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

  • Development and rights consultancies

  • Media and Journalism

  • Communication

  • Think-tanks

  • Corporate social responsibility initiatives and foundations

  • Social enterprises

MSc

The University of Glasgow’s School of Social & Political Sciences  links core social science disciplines to deliver high-quality teaching and cutting-edge research. We offer a wide variety of programmes for those interested in the development and impact of economies and societies globally.

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University has a history of changing the world and the School of Social & Political Sciences is committed to nurturing the people who make it happen.

School of Social & Political Sciences rankings and accolades

  • 5th …
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