MA Globalisation, Business & Development

Business can make a majOr contribution to global development

Business plays a significant role in shaping solutions to the many local, national and global developmental challenges we face today, particularly during the age of globalisation. In this Masters in Globalisation and International Development based at IDS, you will examine the key elements of business operations and its growing relevance to international development.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of economic power shifts and rapid technological transformation amid global inequalities. You’re equipped with the analytical and practical skills needed to understand globalisation processes and their drivers, and to participate in the formulation of policies for sustainable development.

World-leaders in development studies

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally. IDS has been ranked first in the world for development studies, in partnership with the University of Sussex, for the last eight years.

Who is the degree for?

We welcome applicants with a broad range of career trajectories. Successful applicants will have some practical experience in development alongside an interest in critical academic enquiry. Many of our students are private sector consultants, business analysts, NGO staff, policy or research officers, civil servants or other development professionals. Whatever your background, you will want to gain a deeper understanding of globalisation and the relationship between business and international development and will be asking questions such as:

What are the impacts of globalisation, both locally and regionally?
What can be done to successfully manage the potential outcomes of these impacts?
What strategies can countries employ to effectively engage in the global economy?
How do businesses and policymakers approach issues affecting private sector development and economic growth?
How can I identify the policies needed to promote private sector growth?
How can I engage with policymakers in both the private and public sectors?

Course content and structure

The academic year starts in September and has three terms.

In the summer term you will research and write a 10,000 dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member.

Core modules are taken by all students doing the MA Globalisation, Business and Development. These modules give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options during the spring term to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Modules

The links below will take you to the University of Sussex’s website to find out more about each module.

Autumn

Spring

Spring & summer

Research Design (core)

Summer

Dissertation Globalisation, Business and Development (core)

This masters degree and being at IDS was one of the most mentally stimulating experiences of my life. Each seminar and class pushed the boundaries of my experience and biases, to ask more questions, to investigate further and to make judgement after a critical evaluation of arguments. IDS is hub of knowledge creation and collaboration.

- Janet Adekunle, MA Globalisation, Business and Development

The MA in Globalisation, Business and Development broadened and challenged my thinking about the development realm in which I have been operating. IDS faculty are not only researchers but practitioners whose global professional experiences provide topical, real-world perspectives.

- Thandiwe Moyana-Munzara, MA Globalisation, Business and Development

I have been extremely impressed by the MA Globalisation, Business and Development: it is a very strong programme academically, with excellent core modules and a very wide and interesting selection of optional modules. Course materials are high quality and the topics and issues covered are at the forefront of the discipline. The students are producing some excellent and in some cases outstanding work. The teaching team should be commended for the quality of teaching materials and also for the consistently high-quality feedback provided to students on their coursework. All in all it is an excellent programme, one of the clear leaders in its field.

- External examiner for MA Globalisation, Business and Development

Assessment criteria

Entry requirements

Successful applicants will have a first or upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in the social sciences or a related subject, and preferably one year of business or development-related work experience. Applications must be accompanied by a CV and detailed two-page personal statement, explaining why you are applying for the degree and the relevance of your previous experience.

The course is taught in English. To derive the maximum benefit from the course, participants should be proficient in English and able to take an active part in discussions. The minimum requirement is, for example, an IELTS grade of 7.0 overall and no less than 6.5 in each section of the IELTS test. For detailed information on English language requirements for international students please see the University of Sussex website.

Fees & scholarships

Fees for home students (UK, Republic of Ireland, Channels Islands and Isle of Man) are £10,500 per year for full-time students, for 2024/25 academic year.

International student fees (including EU) are: £21,500 per year for full-time students, for 2024/25 academic year.

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our tuition fees page

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

For scholarship opportunities and information on sources of funding please see the advice on funding on the University of Sussex website.

Additional costs for optional fieldwork

You have the option to undertake fieldwork for this course (though it is not mandatory). You will need to cover the additional costs that this entails. Costs will depend on the scope and scale of the activities. For example, conducting interviews in your hometown could cost very little, whereas travelling overseas to interview government officials could cost much more in terms of flights, accommodation and subsistence. There may also be options for desk-based research, such as paying for access to research databases. If you wish to conduct fieldwork, you should always talk to your course convenors and dissertation supervisors before making any arrangements.

Career opportunities

Our graduates are well prepared for PhD research and careers in a wide range of organisations including:

bilateral agencies such as the Department for International Development (DFID) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
international organisations such as UNIDO, UNCTAD, ILO
development banks.

Careers in the private sector and in corporate social responsibility and social enterprises, as well as in NGOs and the media are also open to our graduates.