MA International Development and Education

12 months full time

INTRODUCTION

Does private education have a role in meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) of universal primary education by 2015. Many assume that private education is concerned only with serving the privileged, so is irrelevant to concerns about extending access to the poor. However, the existence of a burgeoning private education sector serving the poor is now acknowledged in the development literature. This course looks at development issues from an historical, philosophical and economic perspective. It uses as its core the research carried out by Dr Pauline Dixon and Professor James Tooley in Asia and Africa which looks at private and government schools that operate in slum and low-income areas.

Kibera, a slum in Kenya where education can make a difference

Who is this course for?

This exciting NEW Master’s degree programme is aimed at anyone interested in pursuing careers in sectors concerned with

  • international development;
  • international aid agencies and;
  • the education sector in developing countries.

This course will appeal to anyone concerned about development issues, government policy and the reduction of poverty using entrepreneurial ideas. This new MA is designed for graduates from education, economics, politics, geography or business backgrounds who wish to develop an understanding of international development issues in education. Graduates from other disciplines will also be considered as will those who do not have a degree but relevant experience.

Programme Description

This Masters programme is offered in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences. The course offers modules in areas of economics, development, education policy, and educational technology. Students take all compulsory modules to a total of 120 credits as well as requiring to complete a dissertation in the area of international development and education (60 credits)

Compulsory modules:

Placement in India or Africa

Within the programme there is an exciting opportunity to visit India or Africa during the 2- 4 week placement module. Arrangements can be made to visit and work in schools or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the low income areas and slums of India or Africa during this part of the course. This visit is funded totally by the student but will provide an invaluable experience that will bring issues learnt on the course to life. The placement module can also be taken in the UK or the country of the student's origin, with the agreement of the Degree Programme Director.
children in a private school in Hyderabad learning Jolly Phonics.

Coursework and assessment

Teaching and learning is delivered through workshops, lectures, seminars, and colloquiums. Students are assessed on their work in the form of essays, practical assignments, project, portfolios and presentations. For the placement a diary exercise will be carried out and presented as well as a research project and presentation. .

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be a graduate of this or another approved University; however candidates who do not hold a first degree but who have relevant work experience will also be considered.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you are a non-EU student, the University provides a unique support service tailored especially for the masters programme. It takes the form of an intensive orientation course, starting in early September, with ongoing tutorials and workshops. This support initially helps to orient you to the British learning environment, explores cross-cultural expectations and introduces you to study skills necessary for the master’s programme.

Staff