International development is the multidisciplinary study of how communities and states attain the economic, socio-political and other characteristics associated with development. This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to: develop a comprehensive multidisciplinary understanding of international development; examine the possibilities for development in a globalising world; understand the reasons for the persistence of global poverty and inequality and how current development paradigms contribute to poverty reduction and human development; apply development theory to enhance development practice at the grassroots; and identify, design and implement appropriate interventions to improve development outcomes. It provides the practical skills required for employment in the development sector, including how to design, implement and manage development projects.

Career prospects

The degree is open to applicants from any background. It equips you with the transferable skills required by most agencies working in the development sector, and therefore provides an excellent springboard if you wish to further or pursue your professional career in development agencies, aid and relief organisations, charities and NGOs, international organisations, local and national government, think-tanks, policy advice and lobbying.

Course structure

You will be required to complete 180 credits over the period of your studies: 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation, based on your own original research. The full-time and part-time evening class variant of the degree is taught at our city centre facility, The Kuala Lumpur Teaching Centre, at the Chulan Tower, Jalan Conlay – a great option for those based in Kuala Lumpur and in full-time employment.

Typical core modules

• Dissertation: International Development
• Field Technologies
• Introduction to International Development
• Research Methods and Design

Typical optional modules

• Asian in Transregional Perspective 
• Civil Society and Global Development
• Contemporary Security Challenges 
• Global Perspectives on International Relations
• Global Political Economy
• Human Security
• The International Relations of South East Asia

Entry requirements

A relevant second class honours degree (or international equivalent). Non-UK qualifications will be assessed against this standard. 

Malaysians applying as a matured student without the standard entry requirements but with substantial and relevant work experience (and have successfully passed APEL’s assessment through Malaysian Qualifications Agency) at an appropriate level may be considered. Admission is at the discretion of the School.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in each element)    

TOEFL (iBT): 87 (minimum 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements)

PTE (Academic): 62 (with no less than 55 in each element)

MUET: Band 4