Newcastle University

Geography

Local and Regional Development MA; PGDip; PGCert

MA: 12 months full time; 24 months part time
PGDip and PGCert: 9 months full time; 18 months part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: full time £5,500(MA); £3,670 (PGDip); £1,835 (PGCert) part time £2,750 (MA); £1,835 (PGDip); £920 (PGCert)
International: full time £11,665 (MA); £7,945 (PGDip); £4,220 (PGCert) part time fees
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This programme develops your skills in understanding and analysing local and regional development, governance and policy in an international context. It also develops the practical skills and capabilities required to research, engage and participate in local and regional development.

Programme Description

You take compulsory modules (100 credits) and write a 15,000-word research dissertation (60 credits). Compulsory modules cover: information skills; local and regional development theory and policy; local and regional development and governance; local and regional perspectives on the knowledge-based society; local and regional development – methodology, analysis and statistics; and dissertation preparation. You also choose optional modules (20 credits) from a wide range of topics which may include: developing local and regional strategies; labour markets, skills and training; social divisions and inequality; international marketing; managerial economics and organisational architecture; integration in Europe; and planning theory and policy analysis.

Find out  more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

Normally at least an upper-second-class Honours degree in a relevant arts, humanities or social science subject such as geography, planning, urban studies, environmental studies, sociology, politics, history or business studies. Applicants who hold non-standard qualifications and/or have an appropriate level of relevant experience, will be encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent.

If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English Language requirements for this degree programme, you may want to consider a preparation course at INTO Newcastle University.  INTO Newcastle University is based on the University campus and offers a range of courses to help you prepare for study in the UK including the Graduate Diploma in Business and Social Sciences.

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

School scholarships and/or fees bursaries may be available - see www.ncl.ac.uk/gps/postgrad/funding.

International students - University scholarships.

How to Apply

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2012 entry should apply by Friday 13 July 2012 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

Applications are considered throughout the year although specific deadlines for funding may apply.

For further information please contact:
Postgraduate Secretary
School of Geography, Politics and Sociology
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 5200
E-mail: gps@ncl.ac.uk