International Development in the Americas UCL

Overview

This programme delves into the most pressing global development issues, including inequality and climate change, specifically within the context of the Americas. It merges theoretical knowledge with practical training, preparing students to become influential agents of change in the field of International Development. The curriculum encourages critical examination of the structural and institutional factors that both facilitate and obstruct efforts to create economically prosperous, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable societies. Students will engage with significant case studies and policy papers relevant to the Americas, ensuring they are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including the United Nations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, think tanks, charities, and the media.

Why International Development in the Americas at UCL?

The UCL Institute of the Americas boasts the UK’s most extensive teaching portfolio focused on Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. The programme is enriched by world-class faculty whose research was ranked first in Area Studies and Impact in the REF 2021. Students benefit from strong connections with cultural and diplomatic organisations across the Americas, as well as links to businesses and NGOs with interests in the region. Additionally, the Institute hosts a Seminar Series featuring prominent experts from Latin America and the Caribbean, providing students with invaluable insights and networking opportunities.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the MSc in International Development in the Americas are as follows:

• National students: £16,000 per year
• International students: £33,000 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The programme is structured to include core and optional modules, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field. Core modules include:

• Researching the Americas
• International Development: Theory, Policy, and Practice
• Dissertation

Students can also choose from a variety of optional modules that cover essential topics such as:

• The Caribbean from the Haitian Revolution to the Cuban Revolution
• The Politics of Human Rights in Latin America: Challenges to Democratization
• Latin American Economics
• The International Politics of Latin America
• The Latin American City: Social Problems and Social Change in Urban Space
• Gender, Politics, and Public Policy in Latin America
• State and Society in Latin America: Ethnographic Perspectives
• The Making of Modern Latin America: History, Politics and Society

Students will complete a dissertation project that allows them to conduct original research, often involving fieldwork in the Americas, which enhances their learning experience and contributes to their professional development.

Careers with International Development in the Americas

Graduates of this MSc programme are well-equipped for a variety of roles across different sectors. They often find employment in:

• Development organisations worldwide
• Government institutions in the UK and Latin America
• United Nations agencies and think tanks
• NGOs and charitable organisations
• Media and journalism

Many alumni have also pursued PhD studies at prestigious universities in the UK and the US, illustrating the programme's strong academic foundation. The skills acquired during the course, such as theoretical analysis, policy evaluation, and effective communication, are highly valued by employers.