Globalisation and Development: The University of Manchester

Course description

The global economy is undergoing rapid transformation. The changing dynamics of cross-border finance, trade and labour are fundamentally affecting how 'developed' and 'developing' countries relate to each other. The extent to which this benefits developing countries and poorer groups remains unclear. New opportunities are being created to engage in trade (industry, agriculture and services). Some producers benefit (e.g. through Fair and Ethical Trade), but others are squeezed in a more competitive environment. New jobs are being created, providing access to income for groups such as women and economic migrants. But workers often lack rights or protection.

The world of finance has become ever-more integrated with the real world of production and consumption. Financial crises create shocks and challenges that have a global dimension, with consequences for countries, industries, firms, workers and households. Analysing the dynamics of this transformation requires a fundamental shift in conceptual and policy approaches to achieving the goals of sustainable development and poverty reduction.

Course aims

On Completition of the programme students will have acquired a knowledge and understanding of:

• the major issues of intellectual and political debate round globalisation and its developmental consequences
• the need for a critical perspective on national and international policy initiatives that influence the nature of globalisation and its trajectories
• why globalisation raises important issues for the traditional, state centered agenda in development studies and cognate social sciences
• why an adequate appreciation of the consequences of globalisation for the developing world also requires an appreciation of processes and consequences in the developed world
• the significance of globalisation for economic, political and cultural transformation in particular parts of the developing world
• why globalisation compounds the asymmetries of development and the nature of 'winners' and 'losers' in the process

Career opportunities

This specific programme is designed for individuals from both the public and private sectors who are, or may become involved, in globalisation and development issues, and wish to pursue careers in the public, private or non-profit sector. The programme also provides a foundation for those wishing to undertake doctoral research in globalisation and development.

IDPM has a large and diverse postgraduate population, including a large number of students from outside the UK (85% of their students are drawn from outside the UK, particularly from Africa, Asia and Western Europe, but also reaching out to Latin America, the Middle East, North America and the Pacific). Many of their alumni have gone on to prestigious careers in the public service or in the NGO/charitable and private sectors, as policy officers, managers, consultants or development practitioners - while others have pursued further academic study leading to a PhD and academic careers. Since its foundation, IDPM has trained over 7000 individuals from 170 different countries.

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.

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.

English language:

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

• an IELTS Test score of 7.0 or more overall with a minimum writing score of 7
• or a TOEFL Test (Paper-based) score of 600 or more with a minimum score in Test of Written English of 5
• or a TOEFL Test (Computer-based) score of 250 or more with a minimum essay rating of 5
• or a TOEFL Test (Internet based) score of 100 or more with a minimum writing score of 25.
• an NCUK PMP EAP Grade A

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.