Global Social Development Management (with Professional Experience) MSc at Coventry University

The United Nations’ global strategy is to empower communities to help themselves and deliver 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This challenging target is at the heart of the work of many of the estimated 10 million Non Governmental Organisations around the world.

This Master’s course is designed to develop future managers for social development organisations that are working on this agenda. Skills development is central to the course which includes an international placement providing management experience in this field. This builds on knowledge of collaborative working, risk management, financial management, project management, decision-making, social development, organisations and using technology fostered through experiential learning.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Course information

This course is designed to enable you to demonstrate knowledge, expertise and skills that will contribute to the learning of Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), charities, voluntary sector organisations (VCOs) and policy makers in tackling complex social problems in challenging environments across the world.

Developed with the collaboration with NGOs and stakeholder organisations, the course is founded on principles of empowerment and self-determination.

Using a range of simulation, case studies and gamification techniques, you will be supported to develop your negotiation, leadership, team working and management skills and have the opportunity to learn how to lead a range of interventions to support the achievement of social justice and sustainable development. You will be provided with a mobile device to enhance your skills in using technology within management,

The course is offered full-time over 5 semesters (approximately 20 months). Semesters 1 and 2 are based at Coventry University and focus on supporting you to develop your social development knowledge and managerial skills as well as preparing you for your professional experience. Semesters 3 and 4 (semester 1 of year 2) include a mandatory professional experience component within an international social development organisation initially in Cape Town, South Africa. For the final semester of the course you will return to Coventry University to complete project work and the Global Professional Development module.

Career prospects

Upon successful completion of the course, it is intended that graduates will have learned a range of managerial roles supporting community engagement, social development, social movement and policy formulation and delivery.

For graduates who wish to work in international sustainable development, this course intends to provide the skills and capability to drive innovation to support communities through mobilisation, NGOs, policy think tanks, government departments and the private sector and more.