MA Law and Development: The University of Manchester

Course description

This new MA programme offers the opportunity to study in depth the role of law and governance in fostering development by focusing on developing and transition countries. The substantive content covers theories and evidence on the link between legal systems and development, economic analysis of legal institutions, and analysis of the problems and policy choices in legal reform and private sector development in less developed and transition countries. The focus will be not only on law as written rules but also on customary law, norms, practices and issues of enforcement in relation to development. The programme will also cover the experience in rule of law promotion of multi-lateral agencies such as the World Bank, as well as the range of systemic factors affecting the receptiveness of `Western' legal transplants into different development contexts.

This programme is uniquely tailored to cater for the needs of non-lawyers who would like to gain better understanding of the role of law and legal institutions in development. The programme will give these students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the sphere of law (law-making, institutions, and enforcement) in relation to development.

Another unique strength of the programme is that we draw on the tradition of excellence in Manchester's School of Law in engaging in inter-disciplinary research and teaching. The subject area is approached by drawing on law, regulation, law and finance, law and economics, new institutional economics, and sociology of law.

Career opportunities

They expect students to progress on to doctoral work in the area of Law and Development by bringing their non-lawyer valuable experience to research, or in other areas of development studies equipped with a better understanding of law and governance. The successful completion of the programme will also allow students to pursue career paths as rule of law/good governance practitioners within NGOs or international/bilateral donor agencies. It will also equip them better in dealing with business transactions in developing countries.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:  A good (2:1 or above) honours UK degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline. Candidates must have a demonstrable background at degree level or from professional experience in issues related to economic development, governance, rule of law, regulation, or sustainable development.

English language: Students whose first language is not English are required to hold IELTS 7.0 with a minimum writing score of 7, or 263 computer-based, or TOEFL 106 internet-based, or Cambridge Certificate Grade C.

It is also recommended that applicants attend pre-sessional English language courses at the University.