MSc Research Methods with International Development

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Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report;
• 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 than English, please provide official translations;
• personal statement as part of your application form in which you should describe and evidence your academic suitability for the course; this should cover why you want to study this course and evidence of relevant course-related knowledge and course-related skills which will help you to succeed on the course;
• your CV.

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

Develop the advanced research skills needed to investigate complex international development challenges.

MSc Research Methods with International Development is a research-intensive master's course designed for students who want to develop advanced methodological expertise alongside specialist knowledge of international development. Whether you are considering doctoral study, a research career or a role that relies on evidence-based decision-making, the programme provides rigorous training in contemporary social research methods.

You will gain experience in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research, developing the skills needed to design, conduct and critically evaluate research. Alongside core methodological training, you will explore key themes and debates in international development, helping you understand how research can be used to investigate complex social, economic and political challenges.

The programme is delivered within an interdisciplinary environment, bringing together students from International Development, Education, Human Geography, and Planning, Property and Environmental Management. This provides opportunities to engage with a wide range of perspectives and research approaches while developing specialist expertise in your chosen area.

Through advanced research training, you will develop highly transferable skills in data collection, analysis, project management, critical thinking and evidence evaluation. These skills are valued across academic, public, private and third-sector organisations and can be applied to a wide range of professional contexts.

The course is particularly well suited to students considering doctoral study or careers in research, policy and analysis. It provides both specialist knowledge of international development and the methodological expertise needed to undertake high-quality research in academic and professional settings.

You will:

• develop as a well-rounded researcher who can access the full range of research in relation to international development;
• actively and practically engage with research methods used in the context of international development;
• attend introductory PhD research training lectures, seminars and tutorials and get a taste of life as a PhD student.

• Manchester has a range of world-leading methodological expertise, including The Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research , The Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis , and methods@manchester .
• 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. 

You will conduct a small-scale piece of empirical research of relevance and use this as the basis for your dissertation. The emphasis of the dissertation will be on the use of methodology in the context of: 

• tracing the application of certain methods to the investigation of particular issues; 
• discussing how that methodology functioned in practice;
• research reflexivity.

You will be expected to report on the findings of the study, although the scale of the work will necessitate modest aims and outcomes, given that you will require space to provide in-depth methodological critique and potentially also methods development as an outcome of their study. 

It will also be possible for you to choose to undertake a literature-based dissertation, in which case there will be an expectation that a formal review methodology will be used to conduct the review. 

The form the dissertation ultimately takes will reflect the study conducted, and its structure will be negotiated and agreed your supervisor. 

All dissertations undertaken will be required to contribute to meeting the ESRC's research training criteria.

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

Graduates develop advanced research, analytical and problem-solving skills that are valued across a wide range of sectors. The programme is particularly well suited to students considering PhD study, academic research or research-intensive professional roles.

Potential career paths include:

• International development research
• Doctoral study (PhD)
• Academia and higher education
• Policy research and analysis
• Government and public policy
• International organisations
• Research consultancy
• Think tanks and policy institutes
• NGOs and charities
• Monitoring and evaluation

The programme's training in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research provides a strong foundation for careers requiring advanced analytical and research skills across international development, government, consultancy and the voluntary sector.

Careers support

This course supports students interested in careers in research, policy, analysis and international development.

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 .