MSc Development Finance

at University of Reading

Year 1

Compulsory modules include:

• Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects
• Development Finance
• Macroeconomics for Developing Countries
• Research and study skills for independent learning
• Dissertation (International Development & Applied Economics)
• Microfinance
• Theories and Practices of Development

Applicants are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, ideally with upper second-class or above (or equivalent from an internationally recognised university outside the UK). Applicants who have relevant career experience are also welcome to apply.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.

Your undergraduate degree should include a significant element of economics/accounting or finance. Strong applicants with little or no training in economics may be admitted, provided you attend a pre-sessional economics course.

Your personal statement

Your personal statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Please tell us about your interest in development finance issues, and the role of finance in international development.

Language requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). 

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £18,650

Your MSc Development Finance degree will prepare you for work in:

• development finance institutions
• financial programmes of development organisations
• trade and finance for international organisations
• the financial sector in development contexts.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.