Development Practice (M.Sc. /P.Grad.Dip.)

Course details

The Master in Development Practice (MDP) is a world leading and uniquely innovative programme that blends science and social science to further international development. It is part of a global network with a Secretariat at the Earth Institute, Columbia University in New York (and was the only programme to receive seed funding in Europe in the first round). In the programme, students are exposed to leading edge scientific and social science techniques and researchers in order to develop international development solutions. The MDP is part of the only global educational network of its kind, involving 24 universities across all continents. In it, students receive leading edge transdisciplinary training in four “pillars”- health, natural, social, and management sciences.

The MDP is led by the Trinity College Dublin (TCD) School of Natural Science and University College Dublin (UCD) School of Politics and International Relations, and delivered by staff from all faculties across the universities, in collaboration with leading scientific researchers, and national and international organisations with specialist skills. The goal is to produce rounded development practitioners with a deep understanding of scientific methods and techniques to reduce global poverty, in addition to extensive on-the-ground training in developing country contexts, and in international organizations.

The MDP has five innovative elements that distinguish it from any other M.Sc. in Ireland. It is the first joint TCD UCD degree (joint degree and parchment). Synergies between the two institutions are vital to compete and deliver at world-class level. Secondly, this innovative course utilises a modular structure to develop student capabilities to understand theories, practices, and languages of different specialities. Students develop deep analytical and practical skills across four core pillars of the programme.

Specialist skills are formed across a range of areas including research design, methodology, and methods (with training in cutting edge scientific quantitative, qualitative, and digital tools and techniques, including GIS and climate modelling); Tropical agriculture; Development economics; Health; Gender; Climate change and Climate justice; Science, technology and sustainable development; Impact measurement; Post-conflict situations; Governance and politics; Globalisation and African development; and Language training. Students also produce a dissertation drawing upon research conducted during fieldwork modules. These have attracted attention from policy-makers, such as the Minister of Education in Rwanda.

Thirdly, it combines a range of teaching and learning approaches both in the seminar room and in the field. Students engage in a minimum of eighteen class-room based modules and four work-based placements to gain hands-on practical experience during the programme. In year one, students undertake two placements. Firstly, students complete a research project with an Irish Based International Development Non-Governmental Organisation. Secondly, they spend up to three months completing cross-disciplinary fieldwork in a developing location. To date, students have undertaken fieldwork in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Brazil.

In year two, students undertake two further placements. Firstly, students attend the UN Training School and take part in the UN Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) training programme. The exercise involves experiential learning on Civil-Military Co-Operation (CIMIC) and UN CMCoord in a complex, unstable, post-conflict setting. Students participate by role playing in UN bodies and NGOs coordinated in collaboration with the Irish Rapid Response Initiative for Irish Aid. Secondly, students undertake internships in leading international organisations. To date, students have taken placements with UN Women, WHO, FAO, OECD, World Bank, UNESCAP, and a multitude of other international organisations.

Fourthly, students have the opportunity to collaborate in a global community through their participation in the Global Classroom, a web-based capability, managed by the Earth Institute, to bring students and teachers from across world together to engage in collective classes and educational innovation.

Fifthly, students engage with leading experts, practitioners, and academics both in the classroom and in the field. The MDP is delivered jointly by TCD and UCD in collaboration with a number of key partners, including the National University of Rwanda, The Mary Robinson Climate Justice Foundation, and a wide number of national and international organisations with specialist skills in development practice. Students are jointly registered at TCD and UCD.