Human Resource Development (International Development) MSc
Year of entry: 2026
Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time
MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) offers an in-depth exploration of how human resource development contributes to economic and social progress on a global scale. It equips you with the critical understanding needed to enhance public services and to foster the education and empowerment of individuals, organisations, and communities.
This course emphasises the complex interplay between globalisation, policy frameworks, and development management strategies, preparing you to critically analyse and influence initiatives that support skills development, workforce competitiveness, and the expansion of human capabilities.
Through a combination of theoretical insight and practical application, you will develop the expertise to design and implement effective human resource development policies and programmes that drive sustainable development outcomes in diverse international contexts.
UK Top 10
Join a university ranked 6th in the UK and 11th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
Building Expertise
Gain an understanding of human resource development strategies and development tools and build organisational and community capabilities.
Applied Knowledge
Understand the role of international organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations (UN) in supporting education and development initiatives.
Federica Russo, Italy
MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) student
“I am particularly enjoying the fact that lecturers encourage group discussions - I had to work on a group project for one of my modules and it has been amazing! I was able to meet people from different countries with different backgrounds, so we could learn a lot from each other.”
María Francisca Álvarez Figueroa
MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) graduate
Graduate Maria chose to study MSc Human Resource Development (International Development) at Manchester due to her strong interest in the course’s unique combination of human resource and educational themes, which aligned closely with her academic and professional goals.
"More than helping me because of the degree itself, it helped me with the knowledge I gained. It helped me realise how we should act for staff development."
