MSc Communication for Development

Develop the knowledge and skills to support social change through communication with our MSc Communication for Development.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

The changing global communication landscape – information technologies, communication processes and communication opportunities – offer new ways to understand and improve how we can use communication to address livelihoods, reduce poverty, and support community development.

Through this programme, you’ll develop your understanding of how communication can support individual and social change and lead to more effective and dynamic development policy and programmes.

The practical application of communication in development is diverse, including areas such as:

agricultural extension and advisory services
communication and climate adaptation and resilience
communicating about healthand health promotion
facilitating, driving and enabling change
communication as a driver of rural development.

The MSc Communication for Development programme is particularly relevant for:

development practitioners who would like to use communication in their development practice
professionals who have, or are seeking, extension responsibilities
media and marketing professionals who would like to work in development communication
individuals working with communities on livelihoods and rural development projects
people working in the community health sector
those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development.

Choose MSc Communication for Development at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
build a critical understanding of communication for development theory and practise in the diverse contexts of international and local development.
strengthen your professional competence in the design, planning and management of communication interventions.
focus on the practical application of new knowledge and skills to support communication in social change.

Joining this programme means you’ll also be joining the Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, where we are committed to empowering change through our teaching and research. Our academics tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues across their respective fields of expertise, and our mission is to make a difference in the context of the .

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.

Current research, policy and practise examples are used throughout the course and many modules include external speakers. There are also department and research division talks and events related to the complex issues in international and rural development.

You will choose from a diverse range of modules that aim to give you the knowledge and skills you need to have an impact and be part of global change, and you can choose to undertake an optional placement during semester 2.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

interactive learning methods
seminars
lectures
tutorials
participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
field trips.

You will also have opportunities for research, networking, and personal development, as well as access to modern study resources and employability support. We also offer study skills support that’s tailored to our School’s master’s students.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Communication for Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE attracts a diverse community of master’s students from more than 40 countries, and holds diversity, equality and high-quality teaching and learning as core values in its approach to education.

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Overview

Develop the knowledge and skills to support social change through communication with our MSc Communication for Development.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the 澳门六合彩开奖记录 is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

Through this programme, you’ll develop your understanding of how communication can support individual and social change and lead to more effective and dynamic development policy and programmes.

The practical application of communication in development is diverse, including areas such as:

agricultural extension and advisory services
communication and climate adaptation and resilience
communicating about healthand health promotion
facilitating, driving and enabling change
communication as a driver of rural development.

The MSc Communication for Development programme is particularly relevant for:

development practitioners who would like to use communication in their development practice
professionals who have, or are seeking, extension responsibilities
media and marketing professionals who would like to work in development communication
individuals working with communities on livelihoods and rural development projects
people working in the community health sector
those intending to go on to a research degree in communication for development.

Choose MSc Communication for Development at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录

You will:

join the highest placed UK University for Agriculture and Forestry at 22nd in the world (QS World Rankings by Subject, Agriculture and Forestry, 2024), with its own farms and specialist facilities
build a critical understanding of communication for development theory and practise in the diverse contexts of international and local development.
strengthen your professional competence in the design, planning and management of communication interventions.
focus on the practical application of new knowledge and skills to support communication in social change.

Learning

Your learning environment

You’ll learn from academics who are conducting world-class research within global development as well as applied economics and marketing.

Class sizes vary by module, but emphasis is always placed on good contact with lecturers.

Learning occurs across a variety of:

interactive learning methods
seminars
lectures
tutorials
participation in the classroom: debates, discussions
field trips.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics

As an MSc Communication for Development student, you’ll be a member of the School’s Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics (GIIDAE).

GIIDAE has an active scholarship programme. Visit our dedicated scholarships webpage for more information about scholarships, bursaries, and other sources of funding.
Visit the GIIDAE website for more information about the modules you can take during your degree.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (high 2:2 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Applicants who have relevant career experience are also encouraged to apply.

Evidence of prior experience in the sector may also be taken into consideration for all international development degrees.

Students may join immediately after their undergraduate degree, or after some years of employment to enhance career prospects by acquiring further skills.

For a list of requirements by country, please visit our Country-Specific Information page.

Your personal statement

In your personal statement, you will need to demonstrate motivation and interest in communication as a tool for change. You may reflect on paid or unpaid experience in the field to help support your personal statement.

Your statement needs to demonstrate that you understand what the course is about, your motivation for studying, and what you would like to get out of your studies.

Language requirements

Applicants may need to provide evidence of their ability to study in English (if required by UK Visa and Immigration). Our online list of English language tests and qualifications is routinely updated, so please check to see if you already have an acceptable qualification or test, and for the most recent changes to language requirements.

If you have any questions about your evidence of English language proficiency, please email pgadmissions@reading.ac.uk.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the global association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Concepts and Practices of Communication

Discover how communication processes influence social and technological change in development contexts. You'll learn to critically analyse how communication can support and enable development interventions, and gain the professional skills to design and implement effective communication strategies for development practice.

Theories and Practices of Development

Explore contemporary theories and practices of international development. You’ll gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of the key ideas influencing efforts to reduce poverty and achieve social justice around the world.

Research for Development

Learn how to design and undertake meaningful and effective research for development. This will help prepare you to undertake both your dissertation and research as part of your future career.

Dissertation

Explore and independently research a topic of your choice, integrating your course knowledge with guidance from an academic supervisor.

Optional modules

Food Security and Development

Explore the complex, yet crucial relationship between food and global development. Gain a broad but comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with producing, accessing and consuming food in different parts of the world.

Poverty, Inequalities and Gender in Development

Explore poverty, inequality, and inclusive development, with a focus on the historical context of “gender” and critically assess social policies, emphasizing gender perspectives. Learn about equity, inclusion, and rights, applying gender analysis to address issues like poverty.

Agricultural Project Planning and Development

Navigate the challenges in agricultural project design and tackle crucial issues in managing projects in the developing world through contingency management principles. You’ll acquire the relevant skills to carry out each stage of the project cycle, including budgeting and procurement.

Nudge, Motivation and Behaviour Change

Explore and evaluate theories, models and techniques for behaviour change including when, how and where to apply them appropriately, ethically and effectively, in order to formulate appropriate behaviour change strategies.

Development Finance

Examine the impact of domestic and international financial systems on economic development and analyse trends and policy issues in development finance. You’ll also evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various funding sources available to governments in developing countries.

Energy, Climate Change and Development

Explore the social and economic factors behind climate change, and critically assess solutions using ecological and energy economics. You’ll gain the ability to analyse causes and evaluate mitigation and adaptation policies.

Appraisal of Agricultural and Rural Development Projects

Explore the role project appraisal in development, and its financial, economic, and social aspects. You’ll also understand the need for integrating environmental assessments, and explore macroeconomic, policy, and management factors in developing countries.

Global Environmental Change, Justice and Development

Dive into the interconnected world, examining the trade-offs between environmental change and social justice. Through conceptual frameworks and engaging case studies, you'll develop expertise in understanding and addressing socio-environmental challenges.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Examine the connections between knowledge, communication, and ecology, emphasising environmental knowledge like climate change. Offered online in collaboration with the University of Guelph, it includes co-taught sessions, guest lectures, and online interactions with postgraduate students from both institutions.

Personal and Professional Development Programme

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the 澳门六合彩开奖记录.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read .

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

The Graduate Institute of International Development, Agriculture and Economics also offers a number of scholarships.

Careers

Your MSc Communication for Development degree is excellent preparation for a career in international development, development communication, media and development, agricultural extension, and community development.

A wide variety of visiting speakers and field trips means you’ll have many opportunities for networking, while competitive internships, placements, and research dissertations provide opportunities to showcase your skills, undertake field research, or link with organisations in the development sector.

Our graduates

Read about Abeer El-Kayaty, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Senior Project Manager for Internews Europe, an international non-profit organisation that works to ensure access to trusted, quality information.
Read about Chrishane Williams, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Communications Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Read about Soledad Muñiz, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now Head of Innovation and Development at InsightShare, a community development organisation that aims to amplify unheard voices and bring people together to focus on change.
Read about Teuleala Manuella-Morris, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now a Monitoring and Evaluation Consultant working for the Secretariat for Pacific Community in Tuvalu.
Read about Nancy Samonte, an MSc Communication for Development graduate who is now Chief, Multimedia Division for the National Economic and Development Authority in Pasig City, Philippines.

澳门六合彩开奖记录