Globalisation and Development Studies (MA)

About the Course

If you are interested in the impact of key political figures like Donald Trump or Elon Musk on the global political layout, or keen to discuss the decline of the Western-led world-order or trade wars with China, then this is the course for you. MA Globalisation and Development Studies is one of three new MA pathways designed by the Social Sciences MA team at Liverpool Hope. This highly relevant and up-to-date MA course traces the root causes of global stratification in relation to the development of economies in the Global North at the expense of those in the Global South, particularly former colonies. The course utilises theories and marginalised voices from the Global South to analyse actions of states, state alliances and international organisations in the context of inequalities and a growing awareness of the need for social change. Analysing globalisation as a system of exploitation will allow the students to engage with the topics of global dependencies, free trade zones, trafficking, modern slavery, sweatshops and feminization of poverty in the Global South, including the impact of fast fashion on climate change.  Participation in this course will facilitate access to international careers or careers in international NGOs, local authorities, UN or EU development focused organisations or charities, including leadership positions and close links with a variety of industries

Curriculum Overview

The programme consists of four modules and a dissertation (final research project) totalling 180 credits. Assessment methods will vary and may include essays, reports, presentations, research proposals and a research dissertation. 

Modules

• Advanced Research for Social Change (30 credits) – This module trains the students to use research methods in order to create socially relevant and socially transformative research. Here, the students will learn about a diverse range of innovative research techniques and become equipped with the skills to design a high-quality research dissertation.
• Advanced Social Theory (30 credits) – Students will acquire knowledge and the ability to critically evaluate a variety of contemporary political economies and think about the ways these can be changed. Whether it is capitalism or socialism, we teach our students to understand the roots of contemporary social issues, such as poverty, marginalization and women’s rights.
• Global Social Policy (30 credits) examines the problems of resource dependency, loan conditionality, imperialism and peripherality in the Global South, while exploring several Latin-American, African and South-Asian case studies. This module will help the students to understand how power works on a global stage, creating underdevelopment, poverty and conflict.
• Gender and immigration (30 credits) uses post-colonial feminist theory to look at the issues of displacement of women and girls, and diasporic gender identities. Here, the students will analyse issues such as sweatshops, feminisation of poverty, diasporic identities, modern slavery and the impact of fast fashion on the environment.
• Dissertation/Research Project (60 credits) – The focus of the research project will be on an issue of relevance to the study of global social issues. We are offering the 60-credit dissertation as a piece of research conducted in cooperation with employers (diplomatic and political international organisations such as the UN, international and local NGOs, charities, etc.), thus significantly improving employability prospects.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification.

International Entry Requirements

A degree from an overseas institution that is judged to be equivalent to a second class honours degree from a UK University.

For students whose first language is not English there is a language requirement of IELTS 6.0 overall. We also accept a wide range of International Qualifications, for more information please visit our English Language Requirements page.

For additional information about country specific entry requirements visit the your country pages. 

Teaching and Research

Our commitment to research is evident in that all our teaching is research informed, and you will become a part of a vibrant and supportive team of researchers and colleagues. The MA Social Sciences team has designed this course in response to the growing demand for globalisation and development courses, which are amongst the most popular in Europe, but we differ from the competition thanks to our de-colonized perspective, and our anti-racist and anti-imperialist theory. We also prefer to teach in smaller groups, so that our students can always feel heard, supported and at home at Liverpool Hope. If you possess a first class or upper second class honors degree from a UK University or equivalent from an oversees institution, then you will be able to apply to study with us.

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £7,750

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

Funding

We offer a number of scholarships and loans to help fund your postgraduate studies. Visit our scholarships pages for more details.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you

Careers

Students with an MA degree in Globalisation and Development Studies can gain access to a wide variety of leadership roles, including jobs in global organisations such as the United Nations institutions, international NGO’s, charities, and civil society. Organisations committed to the principles of global justice, diversity, equality and inclusion in general welcome applicants who have a background in international development. Global careers for lasting change related to anything from aid and project planning, research and policy development and analysis, rural and urban development, and environmental preservation would all be within reach.