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MSc Human Resource Development (International Development)
Year of entry: 2021
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 12 months (full-time); 24 months (part-time)
- Entry requirements
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We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved, your academic references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
- How to apply
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The deadline for applications is 31 August 2021. Later applications will be processed at our discretion.
Applications for this course are very competitive. Due to the high demand we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.
Course options
Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
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MSc | Y | Y | N | N |
Course overview
- Develop the knowledge and skills to enable you to appreciate how education supports skills development.
- Gain an understanding of human resource development strategies and development tools, and build organisational and community capabilities.
- Understand the role of international organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives.
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 and our resources, 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 2021, the tuition fees are as follows:
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MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £12,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,500 -
MSc (part-time)
UK students (per annum): £6,000
International, including EU, students (per annum): £11,250
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
We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students.
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 within the last three years and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.
For more information, see fees and funding 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) 161 543 4028
- GDI.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty
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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 bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved, your academic references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS (Academic) test score of 6.5 or more overall, with a minimum writing score of 6.5 and no other subsection below 6.0
- TOEFL internet-based test score of 90 or more overall, with a minimum writing score of 22 and no other subsection below 20
- Pearson Test of English score of 59 or more overall, with a minimum writing score of 59 and no other subsection below 51
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169 -OR- Grade C if taken before January 2015(Please note that the Cambridge First Certificate in English is not acceptable)
Pre-sessional courses
We will consider applicants who do not meet these scores but you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language course at the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course.
To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for this programme we require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores:
6 Week Pre-Sessional Course : Minimum 6.0 overall with minimum 6.0 in writing, no more than one subskill of 5.5 and no subskill below 5.5
If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate
All Overseas applicants are required to submit a satisfactory IELTS certificate (or equivalent) at the time of application for this programme. A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing with no less than 5.5 in any other component (or equivalent) is required at the time of application.
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 course.
Applicants from majority English-speaking countries
If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (or have studied for a full bachelor's degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency.
Other international entry requirements
Professional entry qualification
Application and selection
How to apply
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2021. Later applications will be processed at our discretion.
Applications for this course are very competitive. Due to the high demand we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If you meet our entry requirements but we are unable to make you an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will receive an offer only if places become available.
Advice to applicants
Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:
- All Overseas applicants are required to submit a satisfactory satisfactory IELTS certificate (or equivalent) at the time of application for this programme. A minimum IELTS overall score of 6.0, with 6.0 in writing with no less than 5.5 in any other component (or equivalent) is required at the time of application.
- 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;
- two written academic references on official institution letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the official university email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their official university email address. If you have had a substantial period away from any formal learning, professional references may be considered. Professional references should be written on official company letterhead, signed, dated, stamped and containing the professional email address of your referees. Alternatively, your referees can send us the reference letters directly from their professional email address.
- a personal statement (maximum 500 words) detailing why you wish to study the course, your experiences, what you can bring to the course and any other information that you see as relevant to your application;
- your CV;
- copies of English Language Certification, eg IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report.
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.
If we can offer you a place and you decide to accept the offer, you will be required to bring the original documents which demonstrate your academic qualifications and your English language ability to Manchester.
How your application is considered
Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.
Applications for the MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.
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 Human Resource Development (International Development) will enable you to critically understand the role of human resource development (HRD) in supporting economic and social advancement, through the improvement of public services and the education of individuals, organisations and communities.
It aims to develop your critical appreciation of globalisation processes, policy initiatives and development management plans to support skills development, competitiveness and human capabilities, including development issues associated with eradicating gender inequalities, fostering human wellbeing and maintaining sustainable livelihoods.
You will gain greater professional understanding of HRD strategies and development tools to support skill and knowledge acquisition, and build organisation and community capabilities.
Our focus on developing human knowledge and skills will enable you to appreciate how education supports skills development. You will also acquire knowledge of the role of international organizations (through governments and MNCs) such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives.
There is a strong emphasis on acquiring cross-cultural leadership knowledge, relevant for many social change and development projects in the public sector, or in the private sector, MNCs, NGOs or international organisations like the World Bank.
The course is ideal for individuals of any professional background in international organisations, public administration, transnational organisations and private sector companies who are involved in the HRD, leadership and capacity planning aspects of organisations in developing and transitional countries.
Aims
- 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 developing, transitional and newly industrialised 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 affect 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.
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 6th in the UK and 9th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020).
- Our research was ranked first in the UK for impact and second in the UK for quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014).
- We are proud to tackle global inequalities and rank first in the UK for our impact on the Sustainable Development Goals ( THE Impact Rankings 2020 ).
- 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
Please note that field visits may be scheduled at any point during the course, including during University vacations. You are expected to be available to attend.
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 School of Environment, Education and Development aim to run advertised fieldwork in the 21/22 Academic Year and we very much hope that students will be able to enjoy the fieldwork experience in the usual way.
The ability of fieldwork to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork might be necessary, will remain subject to the current global situation and factors such as the:
- rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
- educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
- availability of appropriate insurance cover; and
- availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.
We will therefore assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any decisions to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. Any fieldwork that does go ahead will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all of our students and staff. If the fieldwork does not go ahead as planned then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.
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 |
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Human Resource Development: Key Concepts | MGDI60151 | 15 | Mandatory |
Human Resource Development & Leadership | MGDI60162 | 15 | Mandatory |
Human Resource Development: Programmes and Policies in Practice | MGDI60492 | 15 | Mandatory |
Organisation Development | MGDI70461 | 15 | Mandatory |
HRD and Research in an International Context | MGDI73040 | 15 | Mandatory |
International Perspectives on Equity and Diversity in Education | EDUC70322 | 15 | Optional |
Contemporary Issues in Education Leadership | EDUC70331 | 15 | Optional |
Educating for Sustainability | EDUC71212 | 15 | Optional |
Industrial Competitiveness and Global Transformation | MGDI60002 | 15 | Optional |
International Management | MGDI60101 | 15 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 18 course units | |||
Display all course units |
Additional fee information
Scholarships and bursaries
There are many internal and external funding opportunities for postgraduate study.
We offer several postgraduate taught scholarships to outstanding applicants. We also regularly welcome students on the University's Equity and Merit scholarship scheme.
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 fees and funding or search the University's postgraduate funding database .
What our students say
I wanted to study something related to human resources as I loved all the work related to a company¿s personnel. The MSc in Human Resources Development also offered the opportunity to combine this with education to help people better themselves. As I had worked in educational field before, it was my perfect match.
Maria Ines Garcia, MSc Human Resources Development
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
Teaching and research at the Global Development Institute covers a wide variety of topics and as a result our students can be found in a range of jobs and careers.
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 organisationsOur 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 policyGraduates can be found in national governments, multilateral organisations and policy influencing positions around the world, in organisations including DFID, the World Bank, African Union, United Nations and as civil servants around the world.
Private sectorOur 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 teachingOur master's courses provide you with 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 .