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Is it for me?
Who is it for?
The programme is aimed at:
• professionals with responsibility for development initiatives, including those in front-line project management in government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), bilateral and multilateral aid agencies, and public and private enterprises;
• people intending to work in any of the above organisations;
• people who have an interest in different types of public action for development;
• people wishing to bring together their interest in Development Studies with practical applications in the study of Development Management;
• people who wish to combine their study of Development Management with the special areas of organisational management, the environment and social policy;
• people wishing to expand their conceptual and practical skills by taking an international perspective on management;
• people wishing to complement their study in other Open University programmes (for example the MBA, the MSc in Environmental Decision Making and the MAs in Social Sciences).
Do I need previous qualifications?
The qualifications in the Development Management programme are postgraduate level, and it is strongly recommended that you have a degree or equivalent before you start the Programme. If you do not have a degree or equivalent level of qualification, you may still enter the programme, but please contact an Open University adviser beforehand to discuss your background and what the programme will require of you. Applications from non-graduates will usually be dealt with by a member of the programme team and you may be contacted to discuss your situation (so please make sure you provide full contact information, including telephone and email).
Part-time postgraduate study at a distance is demanding and you must be adequately prepared. The courses are rigorous. We expect you to engage critically with the materials, and write assignments and examinations that show evidence of reflective understanding and application of the concepts and skill areas. This applies whether you are doing individual courses or studying for a Development Management qualification. Please read the course descriptions and study requirements here or in the prospectus carefully, and consult an Open University adviser if needed through this site.
If English is your second language please try the Studying at Masters Level: English and Study Skills Exercise.
How much time does it require?
Most of the courses require 8–12 hours study time per week over six months. These hours depend on the individual and on the course. It is important to try and schedule your study time and pace it as evenly as possible.
We recommend that you study one course at a time. Finding 16–24 hours a week out of your other activities in order to study two courses is hard to sustain and you may have to do two three-hour exams on the same day, or very close together!
Part-time distance learning makes the programme especially suitable for those who continue to be in employment during their studies, and for students whose work requires them to travel. Completion of the MSc programme is expected to take a graduate two to three years of part-time study. You can take a break between courses, but most students aiming for a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc find it easier to maintain momentum by continuous study. There is no time limit to the completion of the awards in the programme.
What study skills do I need?
You need to have a good grasp of English and be able to:
• read actively and critically;
• reflect on what you read and on your own experience;
• apply concepts, frameworks and skills to practical examples and your own experience;
• write clearly, coherently and concisely (assignments have word limits and examinations have time constraints).
Have a look at our Studying at Masters Level: English and Study Skills Exercise
Where can I study from?
All our courses are available for study within The Open University's normal remit, which is the UK and the rest of the European Union (EU). However, you can also study GDM courses outside the UK. There are different fee levels, and you need to think about your ability to attend compulsory residential schools. Also, you will need to apply for an overseas examination for which there is an additional fee. For students outside of the EU, discounts may be available – to see if you are eligible, contact an advisor at The Open University in the East Midlands by e-mail east-midlands@open.ac.uk or 0870 333 4340.
For more information on how to register from overseas, look at the following pages:
I normally live in the UK but will be overseas for some time. How should I register?
or
I normally live in an EU country other than the UK, but will be overseas for some time. How should I register?
Do I need a computer, or access to one?
Some of the courses require the use of a computer for particular aspects of study and this will be specified in the course information (please read all course requirements carefully). Our courses require you to have a computer and internet access for online tuition, and for submitting your assignments to your tutor. Access to a computer is particularly important if you are studying outside the UK.
In general, The Open University encourages students to have access to a computer, not simply for the needs of particular courses but because there is an increasing amount of electronic communication (including with tutors) and access to information (including course materials) via electronic means. You might not need a computer of your own; however access to a computer and the internet is essential.
What kind of job can I get with a Development Management qualification?
Many people currently studying want to consolidate or upgrade their analytical and practical skills. The programme is therefore highly useful for individual staff development. Many organisations sponsor their staff because individual staff development also enhances the capacities of organisations. Equally, this programme offers an opportunity to those with practical experience in development or an academic background in Development Studies and/or Management to gain a relevant qualification for working professionally in development organisations, whether government (e.g. sectoral aid programmes, specific development projects), non-governmental (e.g. programme officers, desk officers, policy development) or private sector (e.g. consultancy, advisory work). Although much of the Development Management material has a developing country focus, the issues, frameworks and skills are widely applicable to many situations globally and there are students from the public and private sector in the UK studying in this programme as well as those involved in enterprise agencies and regeneration programmes.
Do I need previous development experience?
If you have worked in development, you will be able to use your experience as a foundation for your studies and will be able to draw on it in the activities and use it in assignments. Equally, if you have little or no work experience in development but have studied development issues at degree level, you should have a good background for this programme. TU871 Development: Context and Practice is a good course with which to begin your studies if you have other previous development experience. You will find further information on this site about our courses and what skills are required, particularly if English is your second language.
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