MSc International Development: Public Policy and Management

If you’re considering a master’s at Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more.

• Taught master's information sessions
• Taught master's guided campus visits
• Study fairs in the UK
• Education fairs overseas

For more information, see our page on meeting us .

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing copies of English Language Certification,e.g.IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification are placed on a waiting list and are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided;
• the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other thanEnglishplease provide official translations;
• your CV.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.

MSc International Development: Public Policy and Management is designed for future changemakers: policymakers, managers, economists, and researchers who want to transform public institutions and shape better futures in an international development context.

Delivered by leading experts at The University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute, this interdisciplinary course equips you with the conceptual frameworks and analytical tools to interrogate and influence complex public policy challenges; from governance and institutional reform to social protection, service delivery, and fiscal management.

Originally developed for public sector professionals, the course has grown into a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme that attracts a global mix of participants from NGOs, international organisations, consultancy, and beyond.

What unites them is a commitment to understanding how policy is made, how it can be reformed, and how to ensure it delivers equity, efficiency, and impact - especially in low- and middle-income countries.

You’ll explore the politics, economics and ethics of development policymaking, and gain practical insights into real-world implementation; learning how to design, critique and manage policy and reform processes that work.

Whether you’re shaping national policies, advising government ministries, or planning your move into the development sector, this MSc gives you the strategic knowledge and critical edge to lead with confidence.

• Develop your understanding of the different conceptual and theoretical perspectives applied to public policy and management, and public sector reform. 
• Expand upon your understanding of the principles and practices underlying the implementation of public policy processes and provide knowledge of 'real-world' examples of public policy/sector reform. 
• Learn about the role and importance of institutions for public policy and management. 
• Grow your skills and provide you with a significant cross-disciplinary (development economics, public policy, management and development studies) skill set that will enable you to critically analyse and communicate your analysis effectively. 
• Build your awareness and knowledge of a variety of global public policies and how they are implemented.  
• Develop your command of current theory, policy and practice in relation to some of the following specialist areas: public policy process and methods; public sector economics; development and economic policy; privatisation and public enterprise reform; public sector accounting and organisational change. 
• Build upon your independent research skills through a supervised dissertation research project.

• We're Europe's largest dedicated development research and teaching institute and have been at the forefront of development studies for over 60 years .
• We are ranked first for research environment and second overall in the UK in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). 
• We are proud to tackle global inequalities and rank first in the UK for our impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (THE Impact Rankings 2025).
• We bring cutting-edge insights from our research into all our postgraduate teaching. Our courses bring different development perspectives and voices to Manchester, from activists from the Global South to the leaders of multinational companies.
• We are home to the internationally recognised African Cities Research Consortium , Effective States and Inclusive Development and FutureDAMS research centres.
• Students are part of our vibrant research community, including our public lecture series  which brings world experts, former heads of state, and leading development thinkers, to discuss current issues in development.

The taught elements of the course, carrying 120 credits overall, is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (e.g., project-based reports, essays), involving largely individual submissions, but also elements of group work.

You must also complete a 12,000-15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice approved by the Programme Directors.

You are encouraged to base your dissertation on topics of direct professional concern.

Find out how our students feel about studying at The University of Manchester by visiting Student Spotlights .

Teaching and research at the Global Development Institute covers a wide variety of topics and as a result our students can be found in a range of jobs and careers. 

Our teaching aims to support students from all backgrounds to acquire valuable knowledge, skills and attributes to achieve their educational and professional goals. 

It includes regular contributions from researchers and practitioners with a view to equip our students to make a positive difference in their chosen sphere. 

NGOs and third-sector organisations  

Our teaching and research aims are suited to work in non-government and civil society organisations where you take on a range of roles from policy advisors, project managers, HR and communications staff. 

Our alumni can be found at large international NGOs like Oxfam as well as in many smaller organisations. 

Government and policy  

Graduates can be found in national governments, multilateral organisations and policy influencing positions around the world, in organisations including DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants around the world. 

Private sector  

Our focus on how businesses and the private sector can play a role in development enables you to gain employment in multinational organisations, private sector firms or to start your own organisations addressing some of the biggest global challenges. 

Research and teaching  

Our master's courses provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for further study. 

Alumni find employment in research and teaching positions at universities and research institutes around the world. Top employers include: 

• African Union; 
• Oxfam; 
• Inter-American Development Bank; 
• Care; 
• Mercy Corps; 
• The British Council; 
• the World Bank; 
• the Department for International Development; 
• United Nations; 
• USAID.

Find out more about our alumni and some of our notable former students . 

Careers support  

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. 

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability . 

Careers support for international students  

The Careers Service provides specialist resources, advice and events to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester. 

• Working in the UK after study  
• Working during study  
• Professional and alumni networks for international students  

Global networks  

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK. 

After your course, you'll join our 10,000 strong alumni network . 

We'll keep you up to date with all the new insights and implications from our research. 

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country. 

It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks. 

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe here .