UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
International Development (Online Learning) MSc
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
7.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Online LearningStudy Mode
- 2 or 3 yearsDuration
- Part-timeAttendance
- School of Social and Political ScienceAdministered By
- Graduate Discount availableFee Discount
- Placement-based dissertation optionPractical Experience
The MSc in International Development is a part-time online learning programme designed to deepen your understanding of critical challenges facing the Global South. This multidisciplinary program equips you with the analytical skills needed to examine development processes, inequalities, and responses across diverse international, national, and local contexts. You will explore fundamental theories, major debates, and critical concepts in International Development, learning to apply this knowledge to contemporary development challenges, policy processes, and initiatives. The program can be completed over two or three years, offering flexibility for students to manage their studies alongside other commitments.
Curriculum
The program consists of compulsory core courses, option courses, and a dissertation project. The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in theories, issues, and actors in International Development, blending policy and academic approaches. Research training is integrated to prepare you for your final project.
- Throughout Programme
- Politics and Theories of International Development
- Analysing Development
- Global Development Challenges
- Researching International Development
- Final Year
- Dissertation (Research or Placement-based Project)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc International Development (Online Learning)?
- You need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. Entrance is competitive, so exceeding the minimum requirements is advised.
- What English language proficiency tests are accepted for this program and what are the minimum scores?
- We accept IELTS Academic with a total score of 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each component) or TOEFL-iBT with a total score of 100 (at least 20 in each component for tests before January 21, 2026). Other tests like C1 Advanced, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, and Oxford Test of English Advanced are also accepted with specific score requirements.
- How long does the MSc International Development (Online Learning) program take to complete?
- The program is part-time and can be completed over two or three years, offering flexibility to manage your studies alongside other commitments.
- What are the tuition fees for the MSc International Development (Online Learning)?
- Please refer to the university's fee pages for specific tuition fees for the 2-year and 3-year part-time MSc International Development for 2026 entry. A 10% graduate discount is available for University of Edinburgh alumni.
- Are there any scholarships available for this program?
- Yes, scholarships such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Online Learning Scholarships, and the Tercentenary Award for Excellence are available. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures should be checked on the university's scholarship pages.
- How do I apply for the MSc International Development (Online Learning) program?
- You should check the entry requirements, prepare supporting documents like a personal statement, and submit your application through the university's degree finder. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.
Entry requirements
UK Honours DegreeA UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. Entrance is competitive, exceeding minimum requirements is advised.
IELTS Academictotal 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (before 21 Jan 2026)total 100 with at least 20 in each component
TOEFL-iBT (from 21 Jan 2026)total 5.0 with at least 4.0 in each component
C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE)total 185 with at least 169 in each component
Trinity ISEISE III with passes in all four components
Oxford ELLTtotal 8 with at least 6 in each component
Oxford Test of English Advancedtotal 155 with at least 135 in each component
English language test results must typically be no more than two years old (or three and a half years for some tests). A degree taught and assessed in English from a majority English-speaking country or an approved university in a non-majority English-speaking country may also be accepted. If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month your program starts.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please refer to the university's fee pages for specific 2-year and 3-year part-time MSc International Development tuition fees for 2026 entry. A 10% graduate discount is available for University of Edinburgh alumni.
Tuition (home)Please refer to the university's fee pages for specific 2-year and 3-year part-time MSc International Development tuition fees for 2026 entry. A 10% graduate discount is available for University of Edinburgh alumni.
LivingFor 2026-2027, estimated living costs in Edinburgh are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation and utilities (£11,736), food and other shopping (£2,976), mobile phone (£144), socialising/leisure/wellbeing (£2,952), and local bus travel (£696). These figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and accommodation choice.
No deposit is required for this program. Costs do not include study-specific expenses and are subject to inflation.
How to apply
1. Check Entry RequirementsEnsure you meet both the academic and English language requirements specific to the MSc International Development (Online Learning) program for the 2026-27 academic year.
2. Prepare Supporting DocumentsGather all necessary documents, which typically include a personal statement and information about your skills and experience. Specific requirements for this program should be confirmed on the degree finder.
3. Submit Your ApplicationApply through the university's degree finder. Ensure all information is complete and accurate before submission.
4. Track Your ApplicationAfter applying, you can track the status of your application online. You will receive a decision and, if successful, an offer which you can then accept.
Scholarships
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program—
Online Learning Scholarships—
Tercentenary Award for Excellence£5,000
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the MSc International Development (Online Learning)?
+
You need a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent. Entrance is competitive, so exceeding the minimum requirements is advised.
What English language proficiency tests are accepted for this program and what are the minimum scores?
+
We accept IELTS Academic with a total score of 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each component) or TOEFL-iBT with a total score of 100 (at least 20 in each component for tests before January 21, 2026). Other tests like C1 Advanced, Trinity ISE, Oxford ELLT, and Oxford Test of English Advanced are also accepted with specific score requirements.
How long does the MSc International Development (Online Learning) program take to complete?
+
The program is part-time and can be completed over two or three years, offering flexibility to manage your studies alongside other commitments.
What are the tuition fees for the MSc International Development (Online Learning)?
+
Please refer to the university's fee pages for specific tuition fees for the 2-year and 3-year part-time MSc International Development for 2026 entry. A 10% graduate discount is available for University of Edinburgh alumni.
Are there any scholarships available for this program?
+
Yes, scholarships such as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, Online Learning Scholarships, and the Tercentenary Award for Excellence are available. Specific eligibility criteria and application procedures should be checked on the university's scholarship pages.
How do I apply for the MSc International Development (Online Learning) program?
+
You should check the entry requirements, prepare supporting documents like a personal statement, and submit your application through the university's degree finder. It is recommended to apply as early as possible.