Graduate Institute of International Development and Applied Economics (GIIDAE) MSc Development Finance Making finance a driver for economic development 3 Postgraduate
MSc Development Finance Programme details 12 months full-time. 24 months part-time for home and EU students only. Entrants are normally required to have obtained an honours degree or its equivalent in a related subject. Applicants with other qualifications and who have at least two years professional experience in a relevant field are also encouraged to apply. References are also taken into account. Funding There are a number of funding opportunities for applicants applying to study in the Graduate Institute, ranging from bursaries to full scholarships. Visit: www.reading.ac.uk/apdpgtfeesandfunding.aspx Research degrees In addition to taught programmes, we offer research degrees. For more information about the availability of research degrees, please contact pgso@reading.ac.uk, phone +44 (0)118 378 8758 or visit www.reading.ac.uk/apdpgrabout.aspx Providing a globalised educational experience The Graduate Institute attracts around 90 MSc/MA students each year to study at Reading, typically coming from 40 countries and as such is an outstanding example of a globalised educational experience. In recent years we have attracted students from throughout Africa, South and East Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East. This broad international mix, which includes both young graduates and experienced mid-career professionals, helps create a unique learning environment for all students. Overseas students choosing the University of Reading can expect a warm welcome, strong support and a high-quality living and learning experience according to the International Student Barometer (ISB) autumn 2011, which compared more than 200 international universities. The ISB found that 92% of overseas students were satisfied/very satisfied with the support they received and 87% would recommend studying at Reading, placing us in the top ten of UK institutions in this survey. This MSc programme: Develops an understanding of the theoretical frameworks for the analysis of financial markets in developing, transitional and market economies. Strengthens professional competence in the design, implementation and evaluation of financial service provision reform. Examines the role of development finance as a driver of economic development and poverty alleviation. Explores the potential of innovative sources of development finance to support the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Investigates the role of microfinance initiatives in promoting financial inclusion and access to financial services for the poor.
A one-year masters programme Development Finance is a one year masters programme that provides a comprehensive understanding of the key issues related to the role of the financial system in economic development. With a focus on developing economies, the programme analyses the design and performance of domestic and international financial systems. It includes an analysis of both formal and informal financial sectors, policies to promote access to financial services for the poor, institutional design and financial sector reform. There is particular focus on financial inclusion and microfinance in the context of poverty alleviation. The programme covers key issues in development finance and microenterprise finance against the background of major perspectives on development and macroeconomic policy. Core modules provide the theoretical frameworks for understanding and evaluating the role of development finance in the process of economic development. Students will also be able to reflect on their own experience of financial service provision and undertake empirical research on development finance issues in their own countries. Optional modules provide an opportunity to investigate specialist areas within the financial services sector or explore a wide range of topics related to development. The programme will suit those with an interest in development issues, development practitioners and early or mid-career development finance professionals working in developmental financial institutions, government departments dealing with financial sector regulation and policy, bank and non-bank commercial financial institutions, microfinance initiatives, aid agencies and NGOs. Students with a wide range of backgrounds and career interests will benefit from the programme. Graduates of this programme will be equipped for successful careers in public finance, bank and non-bank financial institutions, international finance organisations, aid agencies and NGOs. Compulsory modules Students take 60 credits in compulsory modules: Perspectives on development 20 Development finance 10 Microfinance 10 Research and study skills for independent learning 10 Macroeconomics for developing countries OR Financial development in emerging economies 10 Optional modules A further 60 credits are selected from a wide range of modules in economics and development. Students prepare a dissertation on a relevant topic to be agreed with their Course Director. The modular structure of the course allows students to select subjects that meet their own needs and interests, while developing a core set of knowledge and skills.
Before I joined the University of Reading, I worked as a consultant to the World Bank. I then decided I needed to further strengthen my understanding of development if I was to apply for a regular position in this organisation. The Development Finance programme in Reading with its large range of development and finance related modules, greatly helped me to deepen and widen my knowledge. Apart from the academic benefits, I also greatly enjoyed the social life at the University and the opportunity to meet fellow students from so many different countries and backgrounds. GIIDAE was a home for all of us. Luc Razafimandimby, Development Finance student from Madagascar Graduate destinations In 2012, 92% of University of Reading graduates available or looking for work/study are either in employment, in further study or taking up voluntary or unpaid work opportunities. The University of Reading has also maintained its 2011 graduate employability level of almost 70%. This programme will enable you to acquire skills to work as a professional agricultural economist in industry, government and non-government organisations. For example, after some years work experience, you might find yourself developing economic strategy in a government department, a policy analyst in a non-government organisation (NGO), or an economist in agribusiness. Recent GIIDAE graduates went on to work for international NGOs including CARE and Oxfam, campaigning and advocacy organisations, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Department of Energy and Climate Change, United Nations, Economic & Social Research Council, BBC World Service (News and Current Affairs department), FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organization), for commercial companies and also onto study for PhDs. Whether you see your future within the academic, business, government or NGO sector, GIIDAE s courses offer a stepping stone to a rewarding and worthwhile career.
Why study at Reading? Reading continues to be one of the highest-ranked research-intensive universities in the UK, ranked in the top 250 universities in the world in 2011, according to the QS World University Rankings. The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development (which houses GIIDAE) has an international reputation of excellence, with agriculture hailed as Britain s best (Complete University Guide 2013). Internationally recognised teaching expertise We are world leaders in teaching and research in the natural and social sciences relating to agriculture, the food chain, rural environments and the countryside and international development. Our work covers the businesses and people associated with these sectors (such as food and agribusiness, rural livelihoods, communities and consumers), and the policy and political environments in which they function locally, nationally, regionally and globally. In our subject area, the School is consistently ranked as having teaching of the highest quality by numerous newspaper university subject ratings and by student surveys. Reading was 12th in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2012, out of 105 UK universities. Staff calibre and commitment are major factors in our continually high performance in national assessments and league tables. Strong links with world experts in the field Courses in the Graduate Institute are taught by staff from a broad range of applied social and natural sciences who are at the forefront of research and policy discussions in their own fields. Many of the staff involved in teaching the MSc Development Finance programme are research associates within the internationally renowned Walker Institute. The Walker Institute delivers world-leading research at the frontier of climate system science. Research areas include examining the economic impact of climate change, human behavioural responses to climate change, and climate change adaption and rural development. The School of Agriculture, Policy and Development is also heavily committed to the University Centre for Food Security. The Centre reflects Reading s reputation as a lead institute in the area of food security, and changes in climate, particularly in developing countries, is high on its research agenda. This interaction with our research partners will allow students to develop a coherent understanding of the current trends and debates.
Reading the town Reading is superbly located on the river Thames, with excellent road and rail access. Heathrow airport is a short bus-link service away. London, Oxford and Windsor are all within 35 minutes travelling distance. Reading offers some of the best retail and entertainment experiences in the Thames Valley yet is surrounded by beautiful countryside, ideal for country walks and pub lunches. Henley with its famous regatta, is local to Reading as are many other picturesque riverside towns and villages. Located in the prosperous Thames Valley, Reading is rich in investment and employment opportunities. Its buoyant economy offers plentiful work for both current students and new graduates. A degree from the University of Reading is well regarded by employers in business and industry. On campus The award winning University campus is set in a mature parkland of over 160 hectares, which has been judged as one of the best open spaces in the country under the prestigious Green Flag Award scheme. The on campus facilities include halls of residence, a sportspark, shops, including a large supermarket stocking a great range of oriental and international foods, bars, eateries, a chaplaincy and Reading Film Theatre. First class resources are supported by world-class teaching. The University s ongoing investment in high-quality teaching and learning facilities ensures its staff and students can achieve their full potential. The Graduate Institute is located in a new building with state-of-the-art lecturing facilities, a PC lab with 24-hour access, wireless internet connection and its own catering facility. MSc in Development Finance To apply for Postgraduate study at the University of Reading use our online application service: www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply For more information about the course, please contact: Postgraduate Student Office University of Reading Whiteknights PO Box 237 Reading RG6 6AR United Kingdom pgso@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0)118 378 8882 www.reading.ac.uk/giidae The statements made and information provided are a general guide and there may be changes following publication which affect the contents. For details of any changes made since publication, please refer to the website address at the bottom of this page. This document is University of Reading 2012. It was designed and printed in July 2012. B05488 07.12