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MA INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Qualification
- Master Of Arts Degree
- CAO/MU Apply code
- MH51N
- Award Type and NFQ level
- TAUGHT MASTERS (9)
- Study Mode
- Part time
- Closing Date
- 31 August 2026
Overview
The MA in International Development (part-time) is a taught postgraduate programme delivered through a combination on-campus delivery and online learning. Learners typically take between 2- 4 years (maximum) to complete all requirements.
The MA is designed to prepare participants for work in International Development in a community, local government, youth/adult education or NGO setting. It offers learners an opportunity to explore contemporary theories of social change and development and to critically analyse development policies and practices. It builds skills especially in relation to critical reflection, research, leadership and working with groups and in the planning, management and evaluation of development projects.
It is aimed at advanced level participants who hold a primary degree or equivalent qualifications and who have experience of working in a development context in Ireland or in other countries in the Global North or South. Particularly welcome are leaders, facilitators and managers of community development projects, government and development agency staff, people involved in pastoral ministry, researchers, development educators, volunteers and activists. This course is also relevant to academics in the countries of the Global South engaged in teaching and research and development. Places are also retained for recent graduates who wish to study further before embarking on a career in development work.
Commences
The MA in International Development programme commences in September each year.
Part-time students are encouraged to commence at that time, but can enrol throughout the year based on module availability.
Course structure
Duration: 2 years part time
90 ECTS credits are required to complete the Part Time MA in International Development. Learners must complete four compulsory taught modules (35 credits in total) - Contemporary Global Issues, Challenges and Responses (or Introduction to Development Theory and Practice); Critical Learning and Participatory Development Practice; Gender, Identity and Inclusion; and Research Methods - as well as choose from a number of elective modules to make up the remaining 25 credits. These address subjects such as: Conflict, Development and Security; Political Economy of Environment and Development; Managing Development Organisations; Results Based Management; Global Food Systems.
In addition, MA learners complete a 30-credit research based thesis. Part-time learners take taught modules throughout the programme while the Research Methods module and final research thesis are completed in their final year. Learners cannot commence their final research thesis without having completed all taught modules.
Delivery Options
A flexible approach to delivery is offered with students studying through a combination of on-campus delivery and online learning. Please note that as some modules require on-campus attendance this programme is only suitable for part time learners who are either resident in Ireland or who can travel to Ireland to attend certain modules as timetabled. It is not possible to complete the full MA in International Development programme entirely online.
A flexible approach to on-campus delivery is also taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 10 weeks, and others offered through more concentrated blocks of time, depending on timetable requirements and arrangements. Online learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester and it includes some face-to-face interaction as well as structured materials and discussions online.
Learning Approach
The Department of International Development applies a learner centred, participatory and flexible approach to learning. This combined with the diverse groups of full- and part-time learners, including a significant number of international students, creates a unique learning environment that builds on both the diverse array of experiences of participants and on the knowledge and experience of academic staff.
Course Duration: 2 to 4 years part-time
Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.
Careers after your Masters
Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue a career in development and humanitarian related field either overseas or in Ireland, including both ‘hands on’ management/field positions overseas, support roles in head offices and/or working in the development education sphere domestically. The course is appropriate for those already working in the sector but looking to ‘upskill’, those recently returned from overseas work or volunteer experiences or those contemplating a career in the sector.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a development related discipline (e.g. Agricultural Science, Anthropology, Economics, Education, Engineering, Geography, Health-related discipline, Nutrition, Rural Development, Sociology or other Social Science etc.) or a recognised international equivalent.
Those with a professional background in work related to international development are particularly welcome to apply. Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 5 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
How to apply
Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application.
When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:
- Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
- Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
- A copy of your passport
- Up to date CV
- Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
- An academic reference
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please click here . Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.