You are here

  1. Home
  2. OU launches new Masters programme in Global Development

OU launches new Masters programme in Global Development

8 March 2020

Photo of a busy street

The Open University has unveiled its new postgraduate Development programme, successor to the popular and influential MSc in Development Management.

The new MSc in Global Development gives students an in-depth understanding of development theory, policy and practice, and equips them with the essential skills for a career in development and related areas.

Like all OU study, it is designed around the needs of students who may be in full-time employment, or frequently on the move.

The first courses begins in October and students can work towards different levels of postgraduate qualification: a Postgraduate Certificate, a Postgraduate Diploma, or the full Masters degree.

They also have a choice of two different routes through the programme: they can begin with a module on Understanding global development, or with Global development in practice, which is hosted on the digital learning platform Futurelearn, with full tutor support.

Dr Dinar Kale, Senior Lecturer in International Development and Innovation in the OU’s Development Policy and Practice group, said the Global Development programme keeps the strengths of its predecessor intact while updating in core areas of course structure and teaching, and focusing on emerging new development challenges.

“The MSc in Development Management launched in 1996 was one of the pioneer distance learning postgraduate qualifications for development in the UK and has been a success story, but it became obvious there was a need for change.

"The new MSc provides cutting-edge course materials and innovative pedagogy appropriate to a diverse set of professional and non-professional students. 

"It critically examines development theory, policy and practice across a range of issues, including environmental sustainability, socio-economic security, global migration, conflict, and the changing politics of development. 

"This focus on a diverse set of challenges allows students build the capacity for critical and reflexive thinking, independent study and research, and collective dialogue and action."

He added: “We have also given special attention to workload management to ensure that the course will not affect the work–life balance of students.

"Now, students can study for a Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or MSc in three straightforward steps.”

Share this page:

Contact us

To find out more about our work, or to discuss a potential project, please contact:

International Development Research Office
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)1908 858502
E: international-development-research@open.ac.uk