Course details

Master of International Development – MIntDev
NZQF Level 9

About the course

In the Master of International Development, you’ll learn how global economic, social, political and environmental forces affect people and shape different parts of the world. These insights will allow you to recognise where inequalities lie. You’ll identify strategies to help overcome poverty and enhance human wellbeing.

When you graduate from the Master of International Development you will be able to:

  • demonstrate knowledge and skills that can be applied in developing policy and strategies, and in managing and evaluating international development programmes
  • critically and rigorously evaluate contemporary international development theories, policies and approaches
  • conduct independent research and analysis of international development issues, collect relevant data, and be able to write persuasively about this
  • demonstrate mastery of social science research approaches and techniques and be able to undertake independent research in a well-planned and ethical manner
  • interpret research findings and draw out relevant implications for development theory, policy and practice.

Learn from experts in the field

Massey University, in 1989, was the first in New Zealand to offer courses leading to recognised qualifications in Development Studies. In 2019 we celebrated our 30th anniversary! We’ve built on that reputation by developing world-class courses in international development.

Our professors and lecturers are scholars and active researchers. They also have experience in development policy and practice in diverse contexts.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Specific requirements

To enter the Master of International Development you will have been awarded or qualified for:

  • a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Development Studies, or equivalent, with a minimum B average across the 200 and 300 level major courses, or
  • a bachelor’s degree with a B average across the relevant 200 and 300 level courses and relevant field or industry experience of an appropriate kind and duration, or
  • a Postgraduate Diploma in International Development, or equivalent, with a B average.

If you have a Postgraduate Diploma in International Development from Massey University as outlined above, you may apply for credit towards Part One of the qualification.

Field experience includes:

  • voluntary work (eg refugee resettlement with Red Cross, or supporting a disadvantaged community group in New Zealand)
  • other relevant work or experience (eg a social worker, nurse or teacher in New Zealand or overseas)
  • specific development experience (eg an engineer who worked in Nepal).

In this instance you will need to provide your curriculum vitae outlining this experience.

If you take the Research Pathway, you must supply a research proposal for your thesis when you apply.

You must provide copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

Prior learning, credit and exemptions

For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

About the provider

Massey University - Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa is a leading New Zealand university, world-renowned for unique practical qualifications, ground-breaking research, and online courses. 

Each year over 5,000 international students from more than 100 countries find a warm welcome at Massey. We are ranked in the top 250 universities in the world by QS World Rankings and have a well-established reputation for academic leadership, research excellence and innovative teaching.


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