Your course during COVID-19

Whilst things will not be the same when you join us in September, this course page is intended to give you insight into what to expect from your course and your learning experience for the duration of your degree.

We have updated all course information where there are specific changes in the first semester.

Facilities

Most of our student services are now available online. As COVID-19 restrictions lift, we'll be opening up our on-campus facilities as soon as it is safe to do so, so that you can get the best out of your studies.

Your learning experience

Your teaching will be a mixture of online and in-person on-campus teaching. In semester one, as a result of physical distancing requirements, all lecture materials will be delivered online along with many tutorials, workshops and labs.

Our aim, if Government guidance allows us, is to deliver up to three hours of labs, seminars and tutorial teaching in-person on campus where this is possible and safe to do so. We'll review this regularly and plan to return to full in-person, on-campus teaching in semester two if restrictions allow.

If you’re studying for an MRes, MMus or MLitt programme, the number of hours may vary from this. For more information, please contact your supervisor or academic school.

Assessment

In semester one, we will not be running face-to-face, on-campus examinations. We will instead use different approaches to assessment. These will test and support your learning.

Field trips

We will be running some but not all of our planned field trips. Some of those that do run, will be run virtually. For those that do not run, we will be offering alternative learning activities. These learning activities will give you the opportunity to achieve the same learning.

Work placements

There may be some restrictions on work placement opportunities. 

Further information

Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University 2020 study experience.

Terms and conditions and student complaints

The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.

About this course

The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to international development. It considers contemporary global change through various perspectives, including:

• social
• political
• historical
• environmental
• economic

The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) run through the modules. This provides a contemporary stance on where the world stands today at building a better world for people and our planet by 2030. An understanding of current debates around how education contributes to the development process will be gained and explored.

Learning through case studies will cultivate your ability to think critically about development issues. You will explore data using secondary sources and also carry out your own research study through our unique placement module. This extends your learning into the field of development and education allowing hands on experience that provides a unique opportunity to co-create and co-develop impactful change.

The lecturers on this Masters are experts in the field and advise on policy around global challenges. The research carried out here at Newcastle University around development is world leading.

On this course, you will get the opportunity to study with our world class faculty, which includes:

• Dr Steve Humble
• Professor Pauline Dixon
• Dr James Stanfield

Module changes

Course content changes 

The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Optional module availability

Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

Graduate destinations

The course is for graduates from education, information technology, economics, politics, geography or business backgrounds. In turn, our graduates go on to pursue careers in:

• education in developing countries
• the global education industry
• national governments
• international aid agencies
• non-governmental organisations and charities

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service will help you to explore your options and make informed choices to achieve your career goals.

Work experience

Work experience placements are a great way to develop relevant skills to excel in your chosen career.

Find out about paid and unpaid work experience options and other ways you can add to your degree.

Find out more about our tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts.

EU students starting at Newcastle in 2020 will pay the UK (Home) tuition fee for the full duration of their course.

Funding opportunities

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a Pre-sessional English course. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering our Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Start dates

The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.

We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.

Deposit

If you live outside the UK/EU you must:

• pay a deposit of £1,500
• or submit an official letter of sponsorship

The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.