Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 1 year
- 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.
- How to apply
- Apply online
Course options
Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Y | Y | N | N |
Course overview
- Join a university ranked second in the UK and 7th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
- Study the theoretical approaches concerning development issues.
- Gain a detailed knowledge of the key issues and debates in economic development.
Open days
The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.
On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED), and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
For more information, see Open days .
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £14,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,000 -
MSc (part-time)
UK students (per annum): £7,250
International, including EU, students (per annum): £15,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit postgraduate fees
Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
There are many internal and external funding opportunities for postgraduate study.
We offer several postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students.
We also regularly welcome students on the University's Equity and Merit scholarship scheme.
In addition, the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor's degree and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.
Many of our students have gained British Chevening, British Council or Commonwealth scholarships, as well as country-specific awards.
For more information, see our fees and funding webpages or search the University's postgraduate funding database .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- School of Environment, Education and Development +44 (0) 161 275 2814
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 275 2814
- GDI.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
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.
English language
For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .
This programme also accepts successful completion of the 6- and 10-week pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course:
Pre-sessional 6 week course requirement:
IELTS UKVI or Academic 6.5 Overall with 6.5 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.0 in Listening and Reading OR IELTS 7.0 Overall with 6.5 in Writing or Speaking, and no other sub-skill below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 90 Overall with 22 in Writing and Speaking, and 20 in Listening and Reading OR TOEFL iBT 100 Overall with 22 in Writing or Speaking, and no other sub-skill below 20
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 70 Overall with 70 in Writing and Speaking, and 65 in Listening and Reading OR Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 76 Overall with 70 in Writing or Speaking, and no other sub-skill below 65
Pre-sessional 10 week course requirement:
IELTS UKVI or Academic 6.5 Overall with no sub-skill below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 90 Overall with no sub-skill below 20
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic 70 Overall with no sub-skill below 65
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
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, as the delay caused in having to seek any missing documents from you might adversely prejudice your application.
Deposit information
We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability.
When you have been made an offer, you will be required to pay a £1,000 deposit by the deadline date stated in your offer letterbefore you can beaccepted on this course. The deposit amount will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.
The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:
- You fail to meet the conditions of your offer.
- You are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK.
- Your application for government funding has been unsuccessful.
Evidence must be provided before a refund will be processed under any of the circumstances above.
If your offer specifies an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of the offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions. The English language test certificate provided with your application documents is not accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as it will predate the offer.
If your offer specifies an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require official university documentation showing that you have not met the condition from the institution at which you studied as evidence.
The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse a refund of your deposit that does not meet with the requirements outlined above.
How your application is considered
As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year.
Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.
Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid a delay in processing.
•Stage 1: Application received by 07 December 2024 ; Application update by 21 February 2025
•Stage 2: Application received by 02 March 2025 ; Application update by 01 May 2025
•Stage 3: Application received by 04 May 2025 ; Application update by 05 June 2025
•Stage 4: Application received by 01 July 2025 ; Application update by 25 July 2025
While we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date.
Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available.
Please note, all places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications. We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please be aware, there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course details
Course description
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.
Aims
On completion of the course, you will have acquired the following skills and capabilities:
- an ability to critically analyse the techniques and procedures for financial sector development, management and accounting;
- an ability to apply these techniques and procedures in a professionally competent manner;
- the ability to undertake independent research, and to present research findings in a form that can be disseminated effectively to users.
Special features
- 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're ranked second in the UK and 7th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
- 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 Effective States and Inclusive Development and FutureDAMS research centres.
- Students are part of our vibrant research community this includes our public lecture series which brings world experts, former heads of state, and leading development thinkers, to discuss current issues in development.
- We have numerous scholarship opportunities for outstanding applicants.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.
The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.
The role of SEED
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Immigration, passport and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:
- a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
- a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.
The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.
Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Coursework and assessment
The taught element of the course, carrying 120 credits overall, is continuously assessed by a variety of methods (eg, 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.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Research Skills for Economic Development 1 (Quantitative Methods) | MGDI60301 | 15 | Mandatory |
Microfinance | MGDI60362 | 15 | Mandatory |
Economic Development | MGDI60711 | 15 | Mandatory |
International Finance for Development | MGDI72121 | 15 | Mandatory |
Contemporary Issues in Development Finance | MGDI72162 | 15 | Mandatory |
Industrial Competitiveness and Global Transformation | MGDI60002 | 15 | Optional |
Econometric Methods for Development | MGDI60031 | 15 | Optional |
Public Sector Reform and Management | MGDI60081 | 15 | Optional |
Work and Employment in the Global Economy | MGDI60131 | 15 | Optional |
Gender Inequality: Theory and Evidence | MGDI60202 | 15 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 23 course units | |||
Display all course units |
What our students say
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
Career opportunities
This course is intended primarily for those with experience of international organisations, the public/private sector and NGOs, those involved in policy formulation and implementation, or those intending to pursue a career in the field of development finance.
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 the Department for International Development, 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 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 .