Overview

In the Master of International Development from Massey University, 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.

Key facts

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.

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.

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

Career

Overseas students (from countries such as Brazil, Timor Leste, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Pakistan, Laos, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania) are typically junior to mid-career government employees or from NGOs, who are funded by NZAID and other scholarships.

Postgraduate education will give you the skills you need for a satisfying and rewarding career.

A Ministry of Education report found that:

earnings and employment rates increase with the level of qualification completed
five years after leaving study, most young domestic graduates will be earning above the national median earnings
young master’s graduates earn 86 per cent more than the national median
good careers are associated with better health, better wellbeing and more satisfying lives.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Development and Underdevelopment

Development Management

Gender and Development

Development Research Design

Sustainable Development

Globalisation and Development

Development Practicum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 18 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-06-29 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-06-19 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-31 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-02-05 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

International Development View 19 other Masters in International Development in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

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

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.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

38840 NZD / year

≈ 38840 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

10652 NZD / year

≈ 10652 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for International Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Key facts

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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