MSc Development Economics and Policy

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 English Language Certification, e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification may initially be put on a waiting list;
• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing 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.

This interdisciplinary master’s course offers rigorous, practice-based training at the intersection of economic theory, applied research and real-world policy-making, with a strong focus on the challenges facing developing and transitional economies.

It is jointly delivered by the Global Development Institute - one of Europe’s largest and most respected centres for development studies - and the Department of Economics, bringing together critical development perspectives with advanced economic analysis.

Whether you’re preparing for a career in government, international organisations, NGOs or the private sector, this MSc will equip you with the tools to examine global economic issues and develop effective, evidence-based policy solutions.

You’ll begin with core units that provide a strong foundation in macro- and micro-development economics, before tailoring your learning through a wide range of optional units. These allow you to explore topics such as global inequality, trade, labour markets, public policy and climate change, aligned with your own interests and ambitions.

Throughout the course, you’ll apply your learning to real-world contexts – working directly with development data and gaining hands-on experience in econometrics using industry-standard software. A practical development project will help you translate theory into insight, while sharpening your analytical and policy-making skills.

Teaching is research-led and grounded in current global challenges, drawing on the expertise of academics actively influencing development policy around the world. You’ll engage with case studies and diverse perspectives to understand development issues from both global and local viewpoints.

Your final dissertation offers the opportunity to explore a topic that matters to you, with many students producing work that informs the practice of NGOs, international agencies or government departments.

You will: 

• understand the leading applied economics and development economics journals; 
• understand the main economic models and key indicators from which development policies are derived and offer a critique of underlying theories; 
• through the preparation of a dissertation and/or the applied development economics project, explore the relationship between theory and practice, test theories through the use of actual data sets, and demonstrate familiarity with standard econometric techniques and appropriate econometric software packages; 
• demonstrate the skills demanded of an academic researcher in development economics or a staff advisor in a government department, non-government organisation or commercial organisation; 
• undertake independent research, as evidenced by the completion of a dissertation.

• 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 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.

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 .