MA Poverty, Conflict and Reconstruction: The University of Manchester

MA International Development: Poverty, Conflict and Reconstruction

Course description

This programme examines contemporary and established analytical and conceptual frameworks relating to poverty, conflict analysis and the reconstruction of conflict and disaster affected societies. It looks at policies and practices by which individuals, communities and organisations seek to reduce poverty, understand conflict and initiate humanitarian interventions. It emphasises an appreciation of social difference and inequality for an understanding of development policy and practice. It is intended for those professionally involved or academically engaged with issues of policy-making, planning or managing activities relating to poverty reduction, conflict resolution, reconstruction and refugee rehabilitation.

Career opportunities

IDPM has a large and diverse postgraduate population, including a large number of students from outside the UK (85% of our 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.

Module details

Core course units typically include:

• Perspectives on Development
• Development Research
• Poverty and Development: Concepts, Analysis and the International Poverty Agenda
• Conflict Analysis
• Reconstruction and Development

Optional course units may include:

• Civil Society and Public Action
• Development as Historical Change
• Social Development : Analysis and Policy
• Comparative Social Policy
• Urban Development Planning in Cities of the South
• Planning and Managing Development
• Security Studies
• Politics and Development
• Poverty, Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction in Context
• Critical Issues in Urban Inequality
• Poverty, Livelihoods and Poverty Reduction in Context
• Climate Change, Disasters and Urban Poverty
• Best Practice Case Studies in Urban Development
• Humanitarianism and Conflict Response: Inquiries
• Responding to Illegal Economies and Political Violence

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

Applicants should have a good first degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent).

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.