Programme

Explore the multiple connections (and disconnections) between countries of the Global North and the Global South. You will consider alternative future possibilities for international development in theory and practice, combining cutting-edge thinking on global development, economic geography, political economy, labour studies, globalisation and social change.

• Gain a detailed understanding of development practices and experiences within different sites and spaces of the Global North and South
• Gain insights into globalisation, migration studies, global politics as well as global urban justice development practice
• Engage with leading academics in the School of Geography's world-leading Economy, Development and Social Justice research theme
• Develop field-based research skills through a field trip to Mumbai or Malaysia
• An MRes version of this course is also available

What you'll study

You will be encouraged to challenge the common use of Western historical experiences and categories. Instead, you will reconsider the diversity of populations, economies, urban centres, and governance practices in the Global South on their own terms – and in so doing, step outside the conventional lenses of mainstream development theory and the international policies they inform.

Your studies will encourage you to examine these realities in light of the contrasts and continuities between the Global North and South and critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical approaches to studying international development futures.

You will be able to extend your understanding of these topics through an optional field trip to Mumbai or Malaysia. You will also be able to develop your research skills and experiences by undertaking an independent research project and fieldwork. This will be supported by research training as well as one-to-one tailored supervision from experienced researchers.

You will have the opportunity to attend weekly research seminars and research framework sessions with top-level academic researchers.

This programme also offers students the opportunity to undertake an unpaid graduate internship with London International Development Centre (LIDC) while studying. LIDC will take on up to 4 Masters students as interns per year. Learn more here.

Facilities

• Use dedicated Masters study and computing spaces within the School of Geography.
• Access specialist qualitative, quantitative, and GIS computing software to support your learning and research.
• Access an unparalleled range of learning resources, special collections, and world-leading libraries within QMUL and the University of London, such as the QMUL Library, Senate House Library. Other specialist collections are accessible nearby, for example at the British Library.

Career Paths

This programme will prepare you for a broad range of careers but will specifically deliver the research skills and substantive knowledge required by NGOs, development organisations, national government departments and academic reseach roles. Previous graduates have gone onto undertake PhDs, as well as working in consultancy, as traders, as research executives, marketers and in management.