MSc Development Economics and Policy

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The MSc Development Economics and Policy at the University of Manchester offers rigorous training in economic theory, applied economics, and quantitative methods tailored to the challenges facing developing and transitional economies. It’s ideal for students passionate about global development, policy-making, and economic transformation, especially those aiming to work in government, international organisations, NGOs, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Semester 1
Students begin with a strong foundation in core development theory and quantitative analysis. Key units include Microeconomics for Development Policy, which explores household behaviour and market dynamics in developing contexts, and Applied Development Economics, focusing on empirical methods and policy evaluation. The Econometrics module equips students with statistical tools essential for economic modelling and impact assessment.

Semester 2
The second semester allows students to tailor their learning through optional units aligned with their interests. Options include Political Economy of Development, which examines institutional frameworks and governance, and Poverty, Inequality and Vulnerability, offering insights into multidimensional poverty analysis. Students also undertake Research Design and Methods, preparing them for their dissertation with practical skills in fieldwork and data collection.

Summer
Students complete a supervised dissertation on a topic of their choice, applying theoretical and empirical tools to real-world development challenges. This capstone project demonstrates their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to policy debates.

Focus areas: Development economics, policy analysis, poverty and inequality, political economy, quantitative methods, global development institutions.

Learning outcomes: Graduates will be able to critically evaluate development theories, apply econometric techniques to real-world data, design and assess policy interventions, and communicate findings to diverse audiences.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Delivered jointly by the Global Development Institute and the Department of Economics, within the School of Social Sciences — both internationally recognised for development research and policy engagement.

Reputation (employability rankings): Ranked 6th in the UK and 11th globally for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the MSc Development Economics and Policy at the University of Manchester gain hands-on experience with real-world data, policy tools, and research methods that are central to global development work. The program is delivered by the Global Development Institute (GDI), one of the world’s leading centres for development research, and students benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, collaborative projects, and digital platforms that mirror professional environments.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

Research-led teaching: Delivered by academics actively engaged in development policy and fieldwork, including collaborations with DFID, UN agencies, and NGOs.
Access to the Global Development Institute: A hub for interdisciplinary research, policy engagement, and international partnerships.
Specialised software tools: Students use Stata and R for econometric analysis and policy evaluation, gaining proficiency in widely used platforms across development organisations.
Group projects and presentations: Integrated into modules like Applied Development Economics and Political Economy of Development, fostering teamwork and policy communication skills.
Dissertation support: Includes one-on-one supervision and optional field-based research, allowing students to explore development challenges in depth.
Library resources: The University of Manchester Library is one of the UK’s largest academic libraries, offering extensive collections in economics, development, and policy.
Digital learning environment: All course materials, readings, and submission portals are hosted on Blackboard, with integrated tools for collaboration and feedback.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Development Economics and Policy at the University of Manchester are highly sought after across international development, policy analysis, and economic consultancy. Many go on to work with organisations like the World Bank, UNDP, DFID, and leading NGOs. Typical roles include: development economist, policy advisor, research analyst, and monitoring and evaluation specialist.

Here’s how the University of Manchester supports your career journey:

Careers Service: Offers tailored support for postgraduate students, including CV clinics, mock interviews, and access to exclusive job boards focused on development and policy roles.
Graduate employment: 85% of postgraduates from the Global Development Institute are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Industry connections: The Global Development Institute collaborates with partners like DFID, UN agencies, and Oxfam, offering students exposure to real-world policy environments.
Accreditation value: The program is backed by the University’s reputation as a Russell Group institution and its global standing in development studies.
Graduate destinations: Alumni have progressed to roles in government ministries, international organisations, think tanks, and doctoral research.

Further Academic Progression:
Students who wish to deepen their expertise can pursue a PhD in Development Economics or related fields at Manchester or other top institutions. The MSc provides a strong foundation in research design and quantitative methods, making it an excellent stepping stone for doctoral study.