Global Development Institute
Tackling Global Inequality through Research and Education
Ranked 6 in UK, 11 in the World
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
At the Global Development Institute (GDI), we’re committed to creating a fairer world through interdisciplinary, world-class research that addresses the root causes of global inequality, ensuring a sustainable and just future for all.
Our research spans seven key areas: digital development; migration, refugees and asylum; global urban futures; inclusive growth and distribution; politics, governance and management; global production networks, trade and labour; and resources, environment and development.
With over 60 expert academics and a vibrant community of nearly 700 postgraduates, GDI is one of Europe's largest and most influential centres for development studies.
Proud heritage
The GDI is a culmination of an impressive history of development studies at Manchester which has spanned more than 60 years
Alumni network
Join our alumni network of more than 10,000 graduates across the world that help drive forward sustainable development and social justice for all
Research excellence
Ranked first in the UK for environment research and second overall in the world
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
After Your Studies
Information based on graduate data across Global Development master's courses, 2017-2021.
Example Roles
The GDI will equip you with the skills for specialist positions in development-related NGOs, third sector organisations, government, and policy-influencing positions, as well as public and private organisations.
Some example job titles:
- Trade Capture Analyst
- Innovation Manager
- Project Manager
- Associate Consultant
- Livelihood Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Refugee and Asylum Seeker Coordinator
Graduate Destinations
Further Education
Local/ National Government
Non-profit Organisation Management
Volunteer/ Charity Sector
Media/ Broadcasting/ Entertainment
Top Employers
- UNICEF
- PwC
- Oxfam
- Amref Health Africa
- Doctors without Borders
- African Union
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Mercy Corps
- The British Council
- United Nations
Kwame's Manchester
MSc Global Development: Globalisation, Trade and Industry
Kwame came to study at the Global Development Institute, taking a year out of his career in his home country Ghana. The GDI appealed to him because of its course offerings being able provide him with the answers to the puzzles that he wanted to solve.
Kwame was awarded one of our GDI Merit Awards, and during his year at the University secured the role of General Secretary at the Students’ Union - the first international student to do so in the history of the Union.
Meet the Global Development Academics
Professor Bina Agarwal
Professor of Development Economics and Environment
Well known for her pioneering work on gender inequality in property and land, as well as on environmental issues, Bina is Professor of Development Economics and Environment at Manchester, having joined the GDI in 2012.
"The GDI is creatively interdisciplinary, with both economists and other social scientists, runs master’s on a diversity of topics on which I had worked, and brings together a nice mix of teaching and research."
Prof Uma Kothari
Professor of Migration and Postcolonial Studies
Uma Kothari is Professor of Migration and Postcolonial Studies at the Global Development Institute. For Uma, Manchester is an inspiring place to work and the perfect place for her research given its colonial and postcolonial history.
"I am enthralled poring over documents in libraries and archives, and realise that in the end it's all about people and their stories."
Professor Richard Heeks
Professor of Digital Development
With cutting-edge research across six books and over 150 other papers and reports, Richard is one of the most pre-eminent and highly cited academics in the emerging sub-discipline of digital development/ICT4D.
"I recognised very early on that digital development was a good choice of research domain. Not only – sadly – are development challenges always going to be with us, but the constant innovation and increasing role of digital systems means there are always new topics emerging."
Dr Nicola Banks
Senior Lecturer in Global Urbanism and Urban Development
Meet Nicola, Senior Lecturer in Global Urbanism and Urban Development in GDI. What attracted her to the GDI is its world- leading research and inspirational people, together with Manchester’s commitment to social responsibility and impact.
"The biggest attraction to join Manchester was its people. It is an inspiring place to work; I am always learning thanks to my colleagues, my students, and my research partners."
Faculty of Humanities
The University of Manchester