Social Development
(MA) Social Development
Entry for 2025
FHEQ level
This course is set at Level 7 (Masters) in the national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
Course Aims
Social Development has become an increasingly influential term in development. Official donor agencies as well as NGOs now see much of what they do as being concerned with social development, and many dominant concepts in development such as the sustainable livelihoods approach and the rights-based approach to development are rooted in the tradition of social development.
This programme is concerned with analysing the concepts that underlie social development. The broad objective of the programme is to develop the theoretical and analytical skills of students. It is intended for two main categories of students. First, there are those who have experience of the development world and wish to reflect on that experience through an intellectually challenging programme of study. Secondly, it is intended for students who are moving on from their first degrees, usually in a social science, and who wish to broaden their knowledge of contemporary development thinking. The main emphasis of the course is on theoretical issues but students are also strongly encouraged to use their conceptual knowledge in the understanding of practical issues and the delivery of viable policy strategies.
Course learning outcomes
Show advanced knowledge of key theories, concepts and debates of social development.
Show a grasp of advanced theories of international development and social change, and of the particular role of social development within the wider context of international development.
Demonstrate an ability to critically analyse policy and practice in the field of social development through primary and secondary sources, and empirical literature.
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of different forms of social development policy and intervention.
Demonstrate the ability to relate theoretical concerns to practical issues in the context of policy, project interventions and research.
Demonstrate the ability to identify researchable issues or topics in Social Development, develop research strategies and conduct independent research on a specific topic.
Demonstrate the ability to present concise and cogently structured arguments, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate the ability to carry out critical analysis on complex issues related to the discipline.
Demonstrate the ability to work together with others as well as independently, including to manage time effectively.
Demonstrate the ability to apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.
Demonstrate the ability to deploy a range of communication and information technology skills.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with others, and present information both orally and in writing.
Full-time course composition
Part-time course composition
Please note that the University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver courses and modules in accordance with the descriptions set out here. However, the University keeps its courses and modules under review with the aim of enhancing quality. Some changes may therefore be made to the form or content of courses or modules shown as part of the normal process of curriculum management.
The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.