International Development (Online Learning) MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: International Development

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

Online learning

Part-time
  • MSc | up to 3 years | Start date: multiple dates

Key facts

School

School of Social and Political Science

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

The MSc in International Development programme offers you an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your understanding and engagement with the most pressing challenges confronting people, communities and institutions in the Global South. We can approach challenges as questions, such as:

  • What are the processes that have shaped poverty and inequality across the world, as well as the responses to them?
  • How do they differ across international, national, and local contexts?

How you will learn

This programme builds and strengthens your critical skills for analysing development processes and inequities, and for exploring development issues in a range of different social, historical and political contexts.

The programme is multidisciplinary in nature and aims to provide you with:

  • a rigorous grounding in major debates, theories and critical concepts and
  • proficiency in applying your knowledge to investigating contemporary development challenges, policy processes, and initiatives

Study options

The MSc International Development is a part-time online learning programme which can be completed over two or three years.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Mastercard Foundation Scholarships are available for this programme. Applicants must be citizens of an African country and residents in an African country. Applications from refugees and displaced people who have left their African home country to live elsewhere on the continent are welcome. 

For more information on how and when to apply, please visit: 

• Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships 

Other featured funding

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent.

Entrance to this programme is strongly competitive. You can increase your chances of a successful application by exceeding the minimum programme requirements. Please review the important points to note on the programme website:

Important points to note when applying for this programme 

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

Dissertation

In your final year, you will complete a standard research dissertation or a placement-based project. This will be under the supervision of an academic member of staff.

Placement-based dissertation

The placement-based dissertation option aims to offer you the opportunity to work on your dissertation within the context of a workplace of your choosing, subject to Programme Director and Placement Adviser approval.

The placement will generally consist of eight weeks of research with a host organisation in the UK or overseas, from our network of contacts which includes:

  • NGOs and charities
  • social enterprises
  • think tanks
  • government bodies

Your placement can be completed either in-person, remotely, or in a hybrid format. You will have the option to arrange your own placement, subject to university approval.

Please note that a placement-based dissertation is not guaranteed as part of this programme and will be assigned based on competitive applications.

Find out more about the placement-based dissertation option on our website:

Compulsory courses

There are four core courses:

  • Politics and Theories of International Development
  • Analysing Development
  • Global Development Challenges
  • Researching International Development

The first three core courses will equip you with a solid grasp of the key theories, issues, and actors of International Development, providing an optimum balance between policy and academic approaches.

Research training

Research training is provided via the core course: Researching International Development.

This course introduces you to essential research skills while preparing you for your dissertation, whether it's research-focused or an applied project.

Option courses

You will then further your interests in specific areas of international development. Which option courses you take may depend on availability, but can be chosen from across the University, drawing on the expertise of a wide range of faculty members in other Schools.

Courses may focus on issues such as:

  • migration and displacement
  • global health
  • monitoring and project design
  • the environment
  • key tools and methods for applied development
  • dynamics of development in Africa

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

All courses are taught through a combination of:

  • independent study
  • online group activities

These teaching methods will allow you to continue your life and career uninterrupted while completing university study.

You will learn through a mix of online methods, including:

  • video lectures
  • study guides
  • self-directed and guided reading
  • a range of interactive online reflection and discussion activities

Through our innovative platform and learning activities, you will forge meaningful relationships with peers and a range of academic colleagues on your programme and other relevant online programmes, such as the MSc Global Challenges.

You will also engage with related programmes such as the MSc in Social Justice and Community Organising, based at Moray House School of Education and Sport.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

How online learning works

This degree programme is taught entirely online. There is no need to come to the city or University campus. 

All learning and teaching takes place within our virtual learning environment (VLE). Through the VLE, you can: 

  • access all your learning materials and study resources, including e-books and library resources
  • interact with your tutors and classmates 

An online degree from the University of Edinburgh is academically equivalent to an on-campus postgraduate degree and involves the same level of work overall. The qualification you get is of equal value. Your degree certificate will not mention that you studied the programme online.

Recognising the need for flexibility, our online programmes are an excellent way for those with professional or family commitments to gain a further qualification with minimum interruption.

Our award-winning online learning technology is fully interactive, enabling you to communicate with our highly qualified teaching staff from the comfort of your own home or workplace.

Online community

Our online students not only have access to Edinburgh’s excellent resources but also become part of a vibrant and growing online community at our prestigious School of Social and Political Science, bringing together students and tutors from around the world.

Studying online at Edinburgh

Find out more about the benefits and practicalities of studying for an online degree:

Watch our video to see how online learning works.

Time commitment

This programme is designed to be fully flexible to fit around your schedule. You can study in your own time and access all your learning resources, such as reading lists, discussion forms and slides from anywhere in the world.  

If there are live online sessions, you can watch a recording later in the virtual learning environment at a time convenient to you.    

Typically, you will need to dedicate around 10 to 20 hours per week to your programme although managing this is up to you. This may also vary from course to course, and the time commitment may increase when assignments are due.  

See 'Find courses' in Programme details for more information about study time commitment

Equipment and software needs

To study this online programme, you will need access to:   

  • a computer or laptop  
  • the internet  
  • the latest version of a web browser  

As an online student, you will have access to a range of software you can download to help you complete your coursework, including Microsoft Office 365. 

IT support is available if you have technical difficulties.  

IT and computing help

Support for online students

Career opportunities

With a solid background in international development study and practice, our graduates pursue current and future careers in a range of institutions including:

  • United Nations agencies
  • charities
  • non-governmental organisations
  • government ministries
  • private sector
  • research institutions (including further study)
  • journalism

Whether you plan to work or continue working with communities, charities, businesses, policy-makers, or researchers, the MSc in International Development is your stepping stone to a critically engaged and research-informed career.

Past students of our online programmes have gone on to secure competitive jobs all over the world in areas such as:

  • government and diplomacy
  • top international organisations and NGOs
  • policy-making
  • research (including PhD programmes)
  • the private sector

The programme combines a strong core curriculum with the flexibility to develop your individual interests towards specialist expertise. With its combination of practitioners’ and researchers’ courses, including a research dissertation, it is perfectly suited to both policy/practice-oriented and research-oriented students.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduate profiles

Interview with Ana Castro (online MSc International Development)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 13 July 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete. 

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

CV

You must include your CV with your application, which you can use to demonstrate experience in international development or other relevant sectors, including volunteering.

Personal statement

In your personal statement, you should explain what attracts you to this particular programme of study at the University of Edinburgh. This might include references to the overall programme structure, particular courses you would like to take, people you would like to be taught by, and so on. In short, what exactly is it about this programme which motivates you to apply?

You may use the following questions as a guide:

  • What do you understand about International Development, and why does it interest you?
  • What specifically about the programme attracted you? Are there specific courses, areas of research, academics that are of interest?
  • What do you bring to the programme? Tell us about your past work/study experiences that you think might help you in this course and how? How does your previous experience and study fit to the programme?
  • Tell us what you want to achieve with this programme. What are your career goals? How will this programme help you achieve those goals?  

You may use examples gained from non-academic aspects of your life, including things like volunteering, work, travel, or other relevant life experiences you had growing up, but you must be specific about how this shaped the way you think about global development challenges.

Relevant training/knowledge

When outlining your relevant training/knowledge in your application, you should try to explain how your particular educational, professional, or other qualifications and experiences prepare you for this degree. This can be as free-flowing text or with the use of bullet points.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

If you receive an offer, you will not be allowed to defer admission to a following year.

What our students say

My highlights included getting into really genuinely engaging discussions on the chat forums some weeks (online students’ replacements for seminars), making a few good girl friends in the second year to chat with online about how it was all going (one based in Ecuador, one in Syria, and one in the US!), and writing my dissertation, which earned me a solid distinction.

Venetia MSc International Development (Online Learning), graduated 2020

General enquiries

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Graduate School of Social & Political Science
Chrystal Macmillan Building
15A George Square
Central Campus
Edinburgh
EH8 9LD

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 4086

Academic contact

Dr Thabani Mutambasere

Programme Director

  • School of Social and Political Science
  • College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • University of Edinburgh

Contact details

Related degree programmes

Other degrees in International Development