MSc/PGDip ICTs for Development: The University of Manchester

Course description

In recent years there has been - and continues to be - a massive expansion in the number of information-and-communications-technology-for-development (ICT4D) projects (telecentres, ICT-enabled microenterprise, public service kiosks, e-government initiatives, e-health projects, ICT-in-education, etc) in developing and transitional economies.

Successful oversight of these projects requires "ICT4D champions" who possess a combination of technical competencies (e.g. information systems skills) and contextual competencies (e.g. development skills). Such a combination is, as yet, rarely found.  This has resulted in a high project failure rate, and a recognition of training need.

This programme, therefore, aims to create the "ICT4D champions" who combine the necessary skills to see ICT4D projects through to sustainable delivery of development goals.  At the end of the programme, participants will have been provided with:

• conceptual frameworks to understand the process of socio-economic development and the role of information and of ICTs in the development process; and
• new knowledge and skills to help in the effective planning, development, implementation and management of ICT4D initiatives

Career opportunities

The programme is designed for those applying, or seeking to apply, information and communication technologies in pursuit of socio-economic development goals. It will include those who have, or plan to have:

• direct design and implementation responsibilities and/or
• project managerial responsibilities and/or
• broader strategic or policy-related responsibilities.

Typical participants could be:

• early-career professionals who have found themselves involved with ICT4D projects and want a period to reflect, learn and broaden their impact and career horizons;
• technical staff involved with ICT4D projects who wish to add systems, managerial and development skills to their portfolio;
• computing graduates who wish to make ethical use of their skills but lack the necessary understanding of systems and development.

The programme is relevant to those with career trajectories in the NGO and public sectors, and in the private sector given the private sector's increasing involvement with ICT4D projects. It is particularly intended for those who will be working in or with transitional and developing economies.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants should have a good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline from an approved university, and would ideally have some work or placement experience.

Admission of candidates who do not meet this criterion may be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or professional experience can be provided.

Postgraduate Diploma: Applicants who do not fulfil the entry requirements for the Masters degree may be registered as Postgraduate Diploma study fellows.  They take a package of core and optional course units identical to the Masters programme.  If performance in these course units meets the standard required at the Masters level (a pass mark of 50%), these students upgrade to Masters registration at the end of the second semester and proceed to the dissertation.  They then become eligible for award of a Masters degree. Those who do not achieve a pass at Masters level, but at the Diploma level (a pass mark of 40%), will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:

• an IELTS Test score of 6.5 or more overall
• or a TOEFL Test (Paper-based) score of 575 or more with a minimum score in Test of Written English of 4.5
• or a TOEFL Test (Computer-based) score of 232 or more with a minimum essay rating of 4.5
• or a TOEFL Test (Internet based) score of 88 or more with a minimum writing score of 22.
• an NCUK PMP EAP Grade B

Applicants whose language of academic instruction for at least 1 year has been English may be exempted from this requirement, at the discretion of the Institute.