Development Policy and Politics Scholarship 2024 at University of Birmingham

The University of Birmingham‘s International Development Department is excited to announce the availability of a scholarship for the MSc in Development Policy and Politics program 2024, in collaboration with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. This prestigious scholarship offers a unique opportunity for a two-year program, including a one-year MSc program followed by an integrated one-year internship. The scholarship aims to support talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the field of development policy and politics. Don’t miss this chance to further your education and gain valuable practical experience through this exclusive scholarship opportunity.

The internship opportunity accompanying the Masters program offers a dynamic blend of academic research and practical experience. During the six months with IDD, the successful candidate will collaborate with academics and the GSDRC on research projects. Following this, the candidate will spend another six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London, contributing to various initiatives aimed at advancing governance in Africa’s development. This includes involvement in the Now Generation Forum, a platform for emerging African leaders and young professionals as part of the Ibrahim Forum and Governance Weekend.

The Masters program facilitates a direct connection between academic learning and real-world policy applications, grounded in theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. IDD’s cutting-edge research on governance, leadership, democracy, and other key areas enriches the curriculum, exposing students to innovative ideas, rigorous analysis, and lively debate. This approach bridges the gap between theory and practice, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to development efforts.

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In contemporary development discourse, the acknowledgment of the significance of politics has become increasingly prominent among policymakers, practitioners, and scholars alike. There is a growing consensus that development efforts, whether on a national, subnational, regional, or global scale, are inherently intertwined with political dynamics. To effectively address the complex challenges and capitalize on opportunities, it is imperative to possess strong political analysis skills and a profound understanding of the political dimensions of development issues.

The teaching approach embraces a global perspective, drawing insights from diverse contexts to illuminate the nuances of politics, power dynamics, governance structures, and policymaking processes. One of the distinctive strengths lies in the multicultural composition of IDD’s student body, which fosters rich and insightful discussions. Through the exchange of experiences and expertise, students contribute to a vibrant learning environment that enhances our collective understanding of the multifaceted nature of global development challenges.

The University of Birmingham, established in 1825 as Mason Science College and later gaining full university status in 1900, has evolved into a renowned institution known for its academic excellence and research contributions. With a strong emphasis on innovation and growth, particularly in fields such as medicine and engineering, the university has expanded its campus and facilities to accommodate its growing student population. Its reputation for research excellence and global impact continues to attract students and scholars from around the world, solidifying its position as a leading institution in higher education.

Scholarship Summary:

Scholarship Sponsor(s): University of Birmingham and

Host Institution(s): University of Birmingham, UK

Scholarship Worth: £950

Number of Awards: Several

Study Level: Masters

Nationality: International Students

Requirements and eligibility criteria for Development Policy and Politics Scholarship 2024 at University of Birmingham:

A first-class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university is required.
Applicants must be under 30 years of age at the time of applying.
Proficient written and spoken English is necessary. For non-native English speakers, evidence of language proficiency is required, with a minimum of level 6.5 in the IELTS or 580/93 for TOEFL.
Applicants must be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country.
Preference will be given to scholarship candidates residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Application Procedure for Development Policy and Politics Scholarship 2024 at University of Birmingham (How to apply);

Interested applicants should apply before the closing date.
The pathway for the Foundation scholarship comprises the following compulsory modules:

International Development (20 credits)
Development Policy and Politics (20 credits)
Dissertation (60 credits). An in-depth focus on a topic of particular interest, with support from a supervisor. This may involve overseas fieldwork in a country chosen by the candidate.

Choose one of the following modules:

Governance and State-building (20 credits)
Democracy, Dictatorship and Development (20 credits)
Optional modules (60 credits)

Choose from any module from across the School of Government. You may choose a module from another school or college with the agreement of the Programme Director.

Applications must be received through the University online application system, by 8 April 2024. In addition to the usual documents to be submitted, you must also upload a 500-word statement and CV. This statement should set out why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

You must then send your application ID number to Debra Beard. Please include ‘Mo Ibrahim Scholarship’ in the subject line of the email. Please do not include any supporting documents in this email.

Application Deadline: April 8, 2024

For more information about this opportunity, Visit the Official Webpage.

Development Policy and Politics Scholarship 2024 at University of Birmingham