MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)

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For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/ .

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• 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;
• copies of English Language Certification,e.g.IELTS, TOEFL iBT or Pearson test score report, if available at the time of application;
• your CV.

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

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to support people, organisations and communities to achieve sustainable development goals.

MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) explores how learning, capacity development and organisational effectiveness can contribute to positive change in international development contexts. The course examines how individuals, organisations and wider systems can develop the capabilities needed to address complex development challenges.

Delivered within the Global Development Institute, the programme combines perspectives from human resource development, organisational learning and international development. You will explore how organisations build knowledge, skills and capacity, and how these processes influence development outcomes in different social, economic and political contexts.

The course focuses on the development of people and organisations, examining themes such as learning, training, professional development, leadership and capacity building. You will critically evaluate approaches to organisational development and consider how they can be applied within development-focused organisations and programmes.

You will learn from academics with expertise in international development, organisational learning and people development, while studying alongside students from a diverse range of professional and cultural backgrounds. This international learning environment encourages the exchange of experiences and perspectives from around the world.

The programme is suitable for students and professionals interested in supporting organisational effectiveness, learning and capacity development across NGOs, international organisations, government agencies and other development-focused settings.

• knowledge and understanding of the linkage between international development and HRD practices and policies; 
• knowledge of globalisation and cross-cultural actors affecting the application of HRD and education theories and methods in low and middle-income countries; 
• knowledge of education and HRD interventions and their role in building leadership skills and capacity; 
• knowledge of how approaches to national human resource development (NHRD) affect organisation and societal performance in developing and transitional economies; 
• knowledge of how new approaches to HRD strategies including private sector management and development, social capital, knowledge management, gender planning affects the context for competence and performance enhancement in organisations and societies; 
• understanding of how to analyse and design HRD strategies at societal and organisational level; 
• understanding of your own learning and leadership skills and how they may be improved.

• 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.

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 taught elements 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 to 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 .

Graduates develop specialist knowledge of learning, organisational development and capacity building within international development settings. The programme is particularly relevant for students interested in supporting organisations, teams and communities to develop the skills and capabilities needed to achieve development goals.

Potential career paths include:

• Learning and development
• Organisational development
• Capacity building
• Human resource development
• Training and professional development
• NGO and charity management
• International development organisations
• Programme management
• Organisational consultancy
• Doctoral study (PhD)

The course prepares graduates for roles across NGOs, charities, international organisations, government agencies and other organisations working in development and social change.

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 .