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University of Manchester: Development Finance
| Institution | University of Manchester |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Environment, Education and Development |
| Web | https://www.manchester.ac.uk |
| gdi-admissions@manchester.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)161 275 2814 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
As global economies become increasingly interconnected, the role of finance in achieving sustainable development has never been more critical. The MSc Development Finance is a forward-thinking programme that explores the complex relationship between finance, economic growth, and development outcomes, with a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities facing low- and middle-income countries.
This course goes beyond traditional finance training. You’ll gain a deep, practical understanding of how financial systems, institutions, and instruments can be harnessed to support inclusive and equitable development. From microfinance and impact investing to public financial management and financial inclusion, the course offers a comprehensive look at how finance can become a tool for transformation.
What makes this programme unique is its dual emphasis on financial development policy and real-world financial management. You'll explore how policy decisions affect economic development at both national and grassroots levels, and how to design and implement those policies effectively in complex, resource-constrained environments.
You’ll also develop the ability to collect, analyse and critically interpret data from a wide variety of sources, equipping you with key analytical and research skills that are essential in today’s data-driven policy landscape. Through case studies, simulations and applied research, you'll tackle real financial issues affecting development, such as access to capital, debt sustainability, and governance of financial institutions.
Throughout the course, you’ll build confidence in formulating arguments, defending multiple perspectives, and proposing creative, evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing development finance problems. You’ll learn to engage with both the theory and practice of economic development; developing not just knowledge, but the critical thinking and policy-making skills needed to make a genuine impact.
By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with in-depth knowledge of the core debates and strategies in development finance, a strong grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of global economic development, and the practical tools needed to shape policies that work in diverse international contexts.
Whether you’re looking to work in government, international organisations, financial institutions, or NGOs, this course will prepare you to be a confident, thoughtful, and effective contributor to the future of global development finance.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent in Economics or a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a background in microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics and achieve scores of 2.1 or above in relevant modules. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
As global economies become increasingly interconnected, the role of finance in achieving sustainable development has never been more critical. The MSc Development Finance is a forward-thinking programme that explores the complex relationship between finance, economic growth, and development outcomes, with a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities facing low- and middle-income countries.
This course goes beyond traditional finance training. You’ll gain a deep, practical understanding of how financial systems, institutions, and instruments can be harnessed to support inclusive and equitable development. From microfinance and impact investing to public financial management and financial inclusion, the course offers a comprehensive look at how finance can become a tool for transformation.
What makes this programme unique is its dual emphasis on financial development policy and real-world financial management. You'll explore how policy decisions affect economic development at both national and grassroots levels, and how to design and implement those policies effectively in complex, resource-constrained environments.
You’ll also develop the ability to collect, analyse and critically interpret data from a wide variety of sources, equipping you with key analytical and research skills that are essential in today’s data-driven policy landscape. Through case studies, simulations and applied research, you'll tackle real financial issues affecting development, such as access to capital, debt sustainability, and governance of financial institutions.
Throughout the course, you’ll build confidence in formulating arguments, defending multiple perspectives, and proposing creative, evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing development finance problems. You’ll learn to engage with both the theory and practice of economic development; developing not just knowledge, but the critical thinking and policy-making skills needed to make a genuine impact.
By the end of the course, you'll be equipped with in-depth knowledge of the core debates and strategies in development finance, a strong grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of global economic development, and the practical tools needed to shape policies that work in diverse international contexts.
Whether you’re looking to work in government, international organisations, financial institutions, or NGOs, this course will prepare you to be a confident, thoughtful, and effective contributor to the future of global development finance.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent in Economics or a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a background in microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics and achieve scores of 2.1 or above in relevant modules. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
MSc Development Finance will provide you with a thorough understanding of specific aspects of development finance, recognising that finance-related issues are increasingly important in development.
It will equip you with the necessary skills to make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation, by focusing on financial development policy and financial management, with specific reference to low- and middle-income countries.
You will apply different approaches to the collection, analysis and presentation of data, as well as in critically evaluating specific issues of development, and gathering, organising and using evidence and information from a wide variety of sources.
The course provides skills in identifying, investigating and justifying possible solutions to problems arising out of the theory and practice of economic development.
These also include competency in developing a reasoned argument, critically considering data sources and defending different approaches.
By the end of the course, you should have obtained a detailed knowledge of the key issues and debates in various aspects of economic development, familiarity with theoretical approaches concerning development problems and an appreciation of the diversity of development policies.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent in Economics or a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a background in microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics and achieve scores of 2.1 or above in relevant modules. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
Summary
MSc Development Finance will provide you with a thorough understanding of specific aspects of development finance, recognising that finance-related issues are increasingly important in development.
It will equip you with the necessary skills to make a meaningful contribution to policy formulation and implementation, by focusing on financial development policy and financial management, with specific reference to low- and middle-income countries.
You will apply different approaches to the collection, analysis and presentation of data, as well as in critically evaluating specific issues of development, and gathering, organising and using evidence and information from a wide variety of sources.
The course provides skills in identifying, investigating and justifying possible solutions to problems arising out of the theory and practice of economic development.
These also include competency in developing a reasoned argument, critically considering data sources and defending different approaches.
By the end of the course, you should have obtained a detailed knowledge of the key issues and debates in various aspects of economic development, familiarity with theoretical approaches concerning development problems and an appreciation of the diversity of development policies.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent in Economics or a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a background in microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics and achieve scores of 2.1 or above in relevant modules. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. |
| Location | Main Site University Recruitment And Adm Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL |
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