Global Development Institute
The Global Development Institute (GDI) addresses global inequalities through world-class, interdisciplinary research, in order to promote a socially-just world in which all people, including future generations, can enjoy a decent life.
Our varied research is split into seven groups: digital development, migration, refugees and asylum, global urban futures, growth and distribution, politics, governance and management, global production networks, trade and labour and, resources, environment and development.
Made up of over 60 academics and almost 700 postgraduate students overall, the GDI is one of the largest providers of development studies research and postgraduate education in Europe.
Research excellence
First in the UK for research environment and second overall
(Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Real-world impact
Ranked second in the world for our impact on the Sustainable Development Goals
(THE Impact Rankings 2023)
Multicultural environment
Join a multicultural community of students from over 45 countries
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
History
The GDI is a culmination of an impressive history of development studies at Manchester which has spanned more than 60 years
GRADUATE DESTINATIONS
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, including careers in:
• Policy development
• Project management
• Management and human capital development
• Programme development
• Development consultation
• Development finance and advising
• Research
TOP EMPLOYERS INCLUDE:
• African Union
• Oxfam
• Inter-American Development Bank
• Care
• Mercy Corps
• The British Council
• The World Bank
• The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• United Nations
• USAID
Kwame's Manchester
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 Academics
Manchester has a variety of outstanding Criminology experts who advise and assist our students' academic progress.
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
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."
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