Overview

The MSc in Social Development Practice from University College London (UCL) explores processes of social change, mobilisation and development that can generate greater equity and wellbeing for people in developing contexts. It explores different approaches through which diverse and marginalised groups gain access to rights, resources and recognition.

The course has two main objectives:

to give students a solid grounding in social analysis skills and perspectives, rooted in social theory around identity, inequality and social change processes
to provide an understanding of the role of the social development practitioner, and of how development interventions can best support the citizenship claims of people in the Global South

Learning is cemented by practice engagement in contexts reflective of real-life practice, characterised by diversity, inequality and conditions of uncertainty.

Employability

Graduates of the programme have moved into a range of professions, including work in: international NGOs, in both specialised social NGOs (for example NGOs concerned with gender equality, youth, or disability) and social roles in mainstream development NGOs; international organisations; bilateral development agencies as social development specialists; national and local government in positions related to social policy; and private sector companies engaged in social appraisal, social research, and consultancy.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Housing Policies: Practical Dimensions and Alternative Options
Society and Market: Private Agency for Development
Critical Ideas of Development: Conceptions and Realities
Contemporary Approaches to Development Management
Managing the City Economy
The Political Ecology of Environmental Change
Urban Environmental Planning and Management in Development

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months
Part-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-26 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-28 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

London, United Kingdom

Disciplines

International Development Sustainable Development View 279 other Masters in Sustainable Development in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Lower Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The normal minimum qualifications are a good second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; and a demonstrable interest in the subject matter of the programme.
Candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be considered if they are able to demonstrate relevant work experience and an ability to engage academically with the subject matter of the degree. Applicants who do not hold a recognised undergraduate degree may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to the programme if they are able to demonstrate considerable senior-level professional experience in planning or a related field.
The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33000 GBP / year

≈ 33000 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

20500 GBP / year

≈ 20500 GBP / year

Additional Details

Part time

UK: £10,250
International: £16,500

Living costs

London

United Kingdom

1137 - 2157 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Social Development Practice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

The course has two main objectives:

Employability

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

London

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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