MA International Development

at Maynooth University

90 ECTS credits are required to complete the MA in International Development. Learners must complete five compulsory taught modules (40 credits in total) – Political Economy of Development, Gender and Development,  Introduction to Development Theory and Practice, Adult Learning, and Research Methods, as well as choose from a number of elective modules to make up the remaining 20 credits. In addition, MA learners complete a 30 credit research based thesis. Taught modules commence in mid-September and end by early May of the following year.  Learners then have approximately 5 months to complete and submit a final research thesis at the end of September.

Full-time learners take most taught modules in a classroom setting (on-campus delivery), while certain modules are available either by distance only, or can be taken either by distance or through on-campus delivery. On-campus delivery of each 5 credit module involves 25 hours of class contact.  Reflecting the diverse needs of our student population, a flexible approach to such delivery is taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 10 weeks with others offered through more concentrated one or two-week blocks of time depending on timetable requirements and arrangements.  Distance learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester.

The MA in International Development applies a learner centred, participative approach to learning. This, combined with the diverse groups of full and part-time learners, including a significant number of students from the Global South, creates a unique learning environment that builds on both the diverse array of experiences of participants and on the knowledge and experience of facilitators and instructors. 

Undergraduate degree (2.2 or higher) in a development related discipline (e.g. Agricultural Science, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Engineering, Geography, Health-related discipline, Nutrition, Rural Development, Sociology or other Social Science etc) or a recognised international equivalent. Those with a professional background in work related to international development are particularly welcome to apply. In exceptional cases, applicants without a primary degree may be considered on the strength of their professional work experience, other qualifications and completion of a qualifying essay.

Minimum English language requirements:

• IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score- TOEFL (Paper based test):560
• Duolingo: minimum score 110
• TOEFL (Internet based test): 92
• PTE (Pearson): 59

The fees for MA International Development may vary from €6,500 to €15,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue a career in development and humanitarian related field either overseas or in Ireland, including both ‘hands on’ management/field positions overseas, support roles in head offices and/or working in the development education sphere domestically. The course is appropriate for those already working in the sector but looking to ‘upskill’, those recently returned from overseas work or volunteer experiences or those contemplating a career in the sector.