International Development

The full-time Postgraduate Diploma in International Development is a 1-year (9-month) level 9.



The Postgraduate Diploma in International Development (part-time) is a taught postgraduate programme delivered through a combination on-campus delivery and online learning. Learners typically take between 2-3 years (maximum) to complete all requirements.



The postgraduate programme designed to prepare learners for work in international development in a community, local government, youth/adult education, or NGO setting. It offers learners an opportunity to explore contemporary theories of social change and development and to critically analyse development policies and practices. It builds skills, especially in relation to critical reflection, research, leadership and working with groups and in the planning, management and evaluation of development projects.



It is aimed at advanced level learners who hold a primary degree or equivalent qualifications and who have experience of working in a development context in Ireland or in other countries in the Global North or South. Particularly welcome are leaders, facilitators and managers of community development projects, government and development agency staff, people involved in pastoral ministry, researchers, development educators, volunteers and activists. This course is also relevant to academics in the countries of the Global South engaged in teaching and research in development. Places are also retained for recent graduates who wish to study further before embarking on a career in development work.



Delivery Options

Part-time

A flexible approach to delivery is offered with students studying through a combination of on-campus delivery and online learning. Please note that as some modules require on-campus attendance this programme is only suitable for part time learners who are either resident in Ireland or who can travel to Ireland to attend certain modules as timetabled. It is not possible to complete the full PG Diploma programme entirely online.



A flexible approach to on-campus delivery is also taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 8 - 10 weeks, and others offered through more concentrated blocks of time, depending on timetable requirements and arrangements. Online learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester and it includes some face-to-face interaction as well as structured materials and discussions online.



Full-time learners take most taught modules in a classroom setting (on-campus delivery), while certain modules are available online only. On-campus delivery of each 10 credit module involves 25 hours of class contact. Reflecting the diverse needs of our student population, a flexible approach to such delivery is taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 8-10 weeks with others offered through more concentrated one week blocks of time depending on timetable requirements and arrangements. Online learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester.



Learning Approach

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Development adopts a learner-centred, participative approach to learning. This, combined with the diverse groups of full- and part- time learners, including a significant number of students from the Global South, creates a unique learning environment that builds on both the diverse array of experiences of learners and on the knowledge of experienced academic staff.

60 ECTS credits are required to complete the full Postgraduate Diploma in International Development. PG Diploma learners must complete four compulsory taught modules (35 credits in total) - Contemporary Global Issues, Challenges and Responses (or Introduction to Development Theory and Practice), Critical Learning and Participatory Development Practice; Gender, Identity and Inclusion and Research Methods - as well as choose from a number of elective modules to make up the remaining 25 credits. These address subjects such as: conflict, development and security, political economy of environment and development, managing development organisations, results-based management, anthropology and development and global food systems.



Learners who enroll on the Postgraduate Diploma can transfer to the 90-credit MA in International Development at a later date should they wish to do so, and will get credit for any modules already completed.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

Undergraduate degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent honours degree) - 2.2 or higher- in a development-related discipline (e.g. agricultural science, anthropology, economics, education, engineering, geography, health-related discipline, nutrition, rural development, sociology or other social science etc.) or a recognised international equivalent. Those with a professional background in work related to international development are particularly welcome to apply. In exceptional cases, applicants without a primary degree may be considered on the strength of their professional work experience, other qualifications and completion of a qualifying essay.



Minimum English language requirements:

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants.



For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see

https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/how-apply/english-language-requirements



Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850.

Closing Date : 30 June 2025



Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

MH52N: 1 year full-time

MH53N: 2 to 4 years part-time/flexible and distance learning.

Commences: September.



Part-time learners are encouraged to register at that time, but can start modules at different times of the year based on module availability.

Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue a career in development and humanitarian related field either overseas or in Ireland, including both 'hands on' management/field positions overseas, support roles in head offices and/or working in the development education sphere domestically. The course is appropriate for those already working in the sector but looking to 'upskill', those recently returned from overseas work or volunteer experiences or those contemplating a career in the sector.