This MSc course meets the needs of recent graduates, those already working in rural development who wish to further their career prospects, and those seeking a career change. You are encouraged to explore factors influencing sustainability, while at the same time reflecting on your own actions and attitudes and those of others, which we believe may be seen as reconciling three basic aspirations of society, namely: * Achieving economic development to secure rising standards of living both now and in the future * Maintaining and improving social cohesion * Protecting and enhancing our environment both now and in the future The following themes underpin the course: * Human exploitation of the Earth's resources and the global implications of human development * The ecological basis for sustainable natural resource utilisation, including agriculture * The social / economic basis for sustainable community development * The role and function of local, national and global institutions, policies and conventions in relation to development, resource exploitation, social, cultural, ethical and inter-generation considerations You can study part-time, studying 50% each year over two years, which equates to 20 hours study per week. The Research project can be undertaken at any time during the two years.

Graduates from this International Rural Development MSc have secured positions within the UNDP, IFAD and various national and regional departments of agriculture or natural resources. Others have joined international and national NGOs, have been recruited by international development consultancies or have entered further or higher education (teaching and research). Indeed, over 85% of our graduates are involved in work directly related to this course.