Full time
1 year
SEP
MA - Master of Arts
Sociology
Taught
Poverty reduction is the ultimate measure of development effectiveness. Gain the knowledge and skills to engage professionally with the design, implementation, and assessment of national and international efforts to reduce poverty in this Masters in Poverty and Development.
Through an interdisciplinary lens, you’ll gain a sound understanding of the main theories of development and poverty reduction in development, and a solid grounding in the concepts and skills needed to engage in debates on poverty and development.
Who is the degree for?
We welcome applicants with a broad range of career trajectories. Successful applicants will have some practical experience in development alongside an interest in critical academic enquiry. Most MA Poverty and Development students are experienced professionals, having worked in government, NGOs, bilateral and multilateral donor and lending agencies, UN programmes, the private sector, or civil society organisations. Many students join the course after a period of voluntary work or an internship.
Assessment criteria
You’ll be assessed through term papers, coursework assignments, presentations, exams, practical exercises, and a 10,000-word dissertation.
Career opportunities
IDS postgraduates have gone on to work as ministers in national governments, high-level officials in development organisations, civil servants, leaders of civil society organisations and high-profile academics at universities across the world. They are all working to define and solve some of the most pressing global challenges. Some also go on to work in academic research.
Recent IDS students have gone on to jobs including:
Some of our graduates have also continued their research as PhD students.
For this course (per year)
£9,500
For this course (per year)
£18,975
Successful applicants will have a first or upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in the social sciences or a related subject, and preferably one year of policy or development-related work experience. Applications must be accompanied by a CV and detailed two-page personal statement, explaining why you are applying for the degree and the relevance of your previous experience.