MA in Global Development

In the wake of the 'global' economic crisis, this innovative new masters programme offers students the chance to explore alternative future possibilities for international development in theory and practice. Combining cutting-edge thinking on development, economic geography, political economy, labour studies and social change, we will help you explore the multiple connections (and disconnections) between countries of the Global North and Global South.

At the heart of this alternative development agenda, you will be encouraged to challenge the common use of Western historical experiences and categories as the universal templates against which the rest of the world is measured and found lacking. 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.

Our Global Development Futures MA is delivered through intensive small group teaching and close engagement with leading academics in the School of Geography's world-leading Economy, Development and Social Justice research theme. MRes version of this course is also available.

This programme:

• provides you with a detailed understanding of development practices and experiences within different sites and spaces of the Global North and South
• encourages 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 development futures
• provides you with the opportunity 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.

Become a part of QMUL Geography

• Professional and friendly environment: We are recognized as an international center for excellence in teaching and research. Our work is at the forefront of geography, shaping debates and providing significant new insight and understanding. We are also known for our friendly and welcoming ethos and are home to many of contemporary human geography's best-known scholars. Joining the School of Geography places you alongside academics that are actively developing and challenging contemporary thinking in their field.
• Research excellence: Almost 80 percent of the School’s research outputs (books and articles) are rated as world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) placing it 5th in the UK for this measure. Our scores increased across all areas in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014) and we were ranked joint 11th for geography in the UK overall. We are also proud to feature in the top 100 geography departments in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018).
• Employability: Students completing this program will be well-placed to enter governmental, non-governmental organisations, civil society, and academic research roles.
• Field-based research: Students receive tailored research supervision and training suitable to their individual research interests. They are also given the opportunity to participate in an optional field trip to either Mumbai or Malaysia to further develop field research skills.*
• Twilight teaching: Some optional modules will include evening classes (5-7pm) and intensive teaching periods will condense required attendance. Small group teaching will provide students the unique opportunity to work closely with leading academics in this field of study.
• Capital location: We're a School that cares about the world beyond the university, working with a range of community groups, artists, cultural and heritage institutions and policy makers, particularly here in east London. Our passion is to demonstrate through research and teaching the intellectual and political significance of geographical research and understanding. We encourage our students to become part of this vibrant intellectual culture.