MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects is a unique interdisciplinary programme delivered jointly by three prestigious institutions at The University of Manchester: the Global Development Institute, Alliance Manchester Business School and the Department of Planning.
The MSc Management and Implementation of Development Projects will help you develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage and implement projects that contribute to development goals in complex international environments.
Development projects operate in contexts that are often characterised by institutional constraints, changing political and economic conditions, diverse stakeholders, organisational complexity and competing priorities. Effective development project management therefore requires more than the ability to produce a project plan. It requires an understanding of how projects are organised, financed and governed, how people and organisations respond to change and how projects can be adapted to the contexts in which they are implemented.
The programme explores the development project cycle from design and planning through to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning. You will develop an understanding of how management approaches can be applied to real-world development challenges, while critically examining the factors that influence whether projects achieve their intended outcomes.
A distinctive feature of the MSc is its focus on the relationship between project management and development context. You will consider how organisational, institutional, political, social, economic and environmental factors shape project implementation and outcomes. You will also develop the ability to work with different stakeholders, organisations and communities and to respond to the challenges that arise when development interventions are translated from policy and strategy into practice.
You will explore how development projects can be managed to deliver effective, inclusive and sustainable outcomes for communities, organisations and governments,
Through a flexible choice of specialist units, you can develop your interests in areas including strategic project organising, project financing, risk management, quality management, organisational behaviour and change, public-sector reform, development practice, gender and development, innovation and environmental impact assessment. This allows you to explore project management and implementation from different disciplinary and development perspectives.
The programme is delivered through an interdisciplinary collaboration bringing together expertise in development, management and planning. Studying alongside an international cohort also provides opportunities to engage with different development contexts, professional experiences and approaches to managing and implementing projects.
The MSc is designed for students and professionals who want to understand how to manage projects and how to make projects work in complex development environments. It provides preparation for careers in development project and programme management, international development, consultancy, public-sector reform, policy implementation and related fields, as well as a foundation for further research and doctoral study.
We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.