Master of International Development and Planning (MIDP)
Course details
| NZQF Level | 9 |
|---|
About the course
The Master of International Development and Planning is a coursework master's degree, usually* completed over 18 months' full-time study, including a research dissertation. The degree combines an enhanced understanding of development issues and needs with the professional skills and competencies that professional planning education provides.
Understanding environmental issues and how people are affected by these in a developmental context is another key objective of the programme. We place a strong emphasis on people-environment relationships in such areas as urban development, water availability and quality, health, food security, hazards and pollution.
The School of Geography has regional strengths and expertise in Africa, the Pacific, Australasia, China, South and Southeast Asia. The School also has specialist expertise on the physical environment, including coastal hazards, sea level rise, climate change, groundwater, water quality and provision, thus enabling students to benefit from integrating expertise related to both the social and physical environment, together with a professional approach to development and planning. Employment opportunities abound in the development and planning arena and this degree is a pathway to these opportunities around the globe.
Note: This degree does not lead to professional accreditation with the New Zealand Planning Institute.
*Under exceptional circumstances a student may complete the MIDP in 12 months' full-time study, but this is not a standard or recommended workload.
Entry requirements
General entry requirements
A university entrance qualification is essential for admission to the University of Otago for all types of programmes. You must also be at least 16 years of age by the first day of classes in your period of study and meet English language requirements.
Domestic students
You need to have met the New Zealand University Entrance standard, based on your achievement in secondary school or other prior study. Learn about the different categories for achieving University Entrance and what information you may need to provide with your application.
International students
Check recognised entry qualifications by country, and find out what documents you need to provide for a successful application.
English language requirements
All students must be proficient in the use of English. If your first language is not English, there are several ways you may provide evidence of English proficiency, including through prior secondary or tertiary study, internationally recognised English language tests, and foundation language programmes.
The level of English proficiency required for undergraduate study is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5.
For details about what is accepted as evidence of English proficiency, please refer to:
About the provider
The University of Otago, New Zealand’s first university, was founded in 1869 and offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. Ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and 2nd in New Zealand, it is also 214th worldwide according to QS rankings. Recognised as the top university in New Zealand for student academic performance by the Tertiary Education Commission, 96% of its graduates either enter the workforce or pursue further study shortly after graduation.
Located in Dunedin, a vibrant student city where students make up 20% of the population, the University benefits from a unique atmosphere. Dunedin, on the south-eastern coast of New Zealand’s South Island, is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, featuring Victorian and Edwardian architecture, picturesque hills, and wildlife reserves.
The University’s campus is ranked the 5th most beautiful in the world by THE Student Voice, enhancing the educational experience. The Otago region offers diverse scenery and is close to popular destinations such as Queenstown. New Zealand is rated the 1st most beautiful country by Rough Guides 2024, is renowned for its natural beauty, Māori heritage, and multicultural society, providing a friendly, inclusive environment for students and residents.