MSc Development Finance

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, 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 £2,500 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.

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.

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.

• 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 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.

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.   

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 .