MSc Development Finance / Course details

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.

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'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.

Part-time students complete the course over 24 months. There are no evening or weekend course units available; you should, therefore, discuss course requirements with the Programme Director and seek approval from your employer. Timetabling information is usually available from late August. You can discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

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.   

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