Masters in Development Practice

Contact Us

Applications are now open for 2024/25 (September 2024 intake). Further details on the admissions process can be found at here. 

Trinity College Dublin

Elaine Elders
Administrative Officer
TCD MSc in Development Practice
Rm 1.12 Museum Building
Trinity College Dublin

E-mail: mdpdub@tcd.ie 
Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2414

Practical Information for Students

Fees

Please click here for MSc in Development Practice Fees information

Accommodation

Students enrolled on this postgraduate programme will be eligible to apply for accommodation at both Trinity College Dublin.

For accommodation at Trinity College Dublin

Assistance for International Students

International Students Office at Trinity College Dublin

Visas

For information on obtaining an Irish visa please see the website of the Irish Department for Foreign Affairs  

Useful Links

TCD Masters in Development Practice – Partners

University of Rwanda

Global Masters in Development Practice Network

The TCD Masters in Development Practice is part of the Global Master’s in Development Practice Network. The secretariat for this network is based at the University of Colombia in New York. For further information and details of the other MDP programmes in the network please see www.mdpglobal.org and University of Colombia in New York.

Irish Aid

Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland’s programme of assistance to developing countries.

Course Modules

The goal of the Dublin MDP is to produce rounded development practitioners with a deep understanding of scientific methods and techniques to reduce global poverty, in addition to extensive on-the-ground training in developing country contexts, and in international organizations. The course modules are categorized according to each of the Global MDP Program’s four pillars—health, natural, social, and management sciences. Some are categorized as cross-disciplinary, although the program as a whole emphasizes the interconnectedness between development issues in these four fields. The MDP is rooted in evidence that effective public policy must be based science-based. Course offerings include a blend of traditional class-room based modules and field training placements.

MDP Candidates develop specialist skills in

• Globalisation and African Development
• Smart and Sustainable Eco-Cities
• Impact Measurement
• Gender and Development
• Climate Change: Science, Development and Justice
• Civil Engineering for Sustainable Development
• Development Economics
• Global Health
• Sustainable Agriculture And Land Use
• Geographic Information Systems
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Theories of Development
• Dissertation (including fieldwork preparation)
• Global Classroom: Foundations for Sustainable Development Practice (Option)

Field Training and Dissertation Modules:

Between April and August, MDP students will have the opportunity to do a clinical field training or research placement in partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations, government entities, and multi-lateral donor partners.  This training programme includes opportunities to study, design, implement or evaluate diverse operational interventions that address critical development issues. The MDP is constantly expanding its lists of partners, to more universities, NGOs and governmental agencies around the world. In past years, the MDP Dublin has been able to send students to several countries of Africa, South America, and Asia, and is perpetually forging connections to create more choice for our students. This offers students the opportunity to develop their professional and career networks for potential employment in the future.

Examples of organisation who have hosted MDP students include:

• AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
• Akagera National Park
• APA/CVM – Tanzania
• Camara – Jamaica
• Care International
• Catholic Relief Service
• Centre for Conflict Management (NUR)
• Centre for National Health Development, Ethiopia
• Chemonics International Inc.
• CNRS, Paris & Kathmandu
• Community Development Research Network (CDRN)- Uganda
• Concern, Uganda
• CSO Rwanda
• DUCE – Tanzania
• Environmental Protection Agency and CIESIN- Sierra Leone
• EWSA
• Federal University of Rio de Janeiro- Brasil
• Gender Monitoring Office (GMO)
• GOAL – Ethiopia
• Gorta – Kenya
• Great Ape Trust if Iowa/Gishwati Area Conservation Program
• Health Poverty Action
• IFAD, Washington
• International Justice Mission (IJM)
• Karisoke Research Centre
• Language Development Centre, Nepal
• Malawi Clinic
• Millennium Development Centre, Nairobi
• Millennium Village Project (MVP)
• Nile Basin Initiative (NBI)
• OCHA, South Africa
• OECD DAC, Paris
• R&D Branch, Degrowth Movement, Barcelona
• REPOA- Tanzania
• Search for Common Ground
• TechnoServe
• The Rwanda National Land Centre
• The Volunteer Project- Tanzania
• Trócaire
• Ubwiza bwa Nyungwe – Beekeeper Union
• UN DESA, New York
• UNDP, Geneva
• UNDP, Tokyo
• UN ESCAP, Bangkok
• UNESC, New Delhi
• UN ECASRO-EA, Rwanda
• UNEP, Nairobi
• UNESCO- Dakar, Senegal
• UNESCO – IHP, Paris
• UN ESCWA, Lebanon
• UN Headquarters New York, Department of Peacekeeping
• UN OCHA, Geneva
• UNODC, South Africa
• UN Office on Drugs & Crime, Vienna
• UN, Research & Development, New York
• UN SIDS, New York
• Vi-Agroforestry
• Volcano National Park (VNP)
• Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
• Wells for Zoe – Malawi

MDP Students - Rwanda 2013

MDP Students - Rwanda 2011

Click here for full details

Entry to the program will be based on competitive selection. Applications for admission are accepted from

• holders of first or upper-second class honors degrees (grade point average 3.5 equivalent) awarded by recognised universities and institutions, and recognised degree awarding bodies (e.g. NCEA, CNAA);
• holders of other degrees from recognised universities or degree granting institutions who have experienced at least three years of appropriate employment;
• holders of recognised professional qualifications obtained through examinations who have spent at least four years in study and who, in addition, have been employed for at least two years in the work of their profession;

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English in a test administered by an institution independent of their own university (e.g. the British Council).

Applications must be made online. For further information on applying to taught courses in Trinity College, see Trinity Graduate Studies.

Applications are now open for 2024/25 (September 2024 intake) at TCD Postgraduate webpage at TCD Postgraduate webpage. Final Closing date is 31st July 2024. The Admissions Committee strongly recommend early applications, especially from international students, as we are reviewing applications on a regular basis. We aim to turn around all completed applications within 20 working days from date of submission (of all documents).

Further information on eligibility and application to the Masters in Development Practice is available from the Graduate Studies Office.

Contact Us

Applications are now open for 2020/21 (September 2020 intake). Further details on the admissions process can be found at here. 

Trinity College Dublin

Elaine Elders
Administrative Officer
TCD MSc in Development Practice
Rm 1.12 Museum Building
Trinity College Dublin

E-mail: mdpdub@tcd.ie 
Tel: +353 (0)1 896 2414

Ahmad Shafie Raouf (MDP Graduate 2023)

The program empowered me with the knowledge and skills necessary to address critical issues like hunger, poverty, inequality, and climate change - all of which are among the main concerns for development policy and practice. The academic atmosphere was inspiring, thanks to the outstanding faculty and my enthusiastic classmates from different parts of the world who enriched my learning experience. My studies, which were made possible by the Government of Ireland-International Education Scholarship (GOV-IES), enabled me to develop vital skills such as critical writing, analytical thinking, impact evaluation, and research proficiency throughout the program. 

Kevin Dowling (MDP Graduate 2022)

For me, the beauty of the MDP was that it offered a broad exploration of the development system overall, while also allowing considerable opportunity for students to focus on more niche areas of interest, and to individualize assignments accordingly. In this way, I felt as though I graduated with a specialty, while maintaining the benefits of a more generalist viewpoint.  From the wide breadth of modules covered, to the faculty’s expertise and dedication, the programme set me up well for securing employment soon after, despite this representing a relatively big career shift for me. I’m really grateful for that. 

Ben Davison (MDP Graduate 2022)

My experiences as a volunteer at a local city-based foodbank highlighted to me the reality of the inequality that exists, not only in a generic, untouchable, global sense, but right on my doorstep in the city that I was living. These experiences led to me considering the idea of devoting my career to development (development in what sense? – I did not yet know!). As I explored different masters options or other potential avenues, the Masters in Development Practice (MDP) at Trinity College Dublin stood out to me due to the interdisciplinary nature of the programme, and its practical approach.

I did not regret my decision to enrol in the MDP programme as I enjoyed the range of topics we studied from Development Economics to Gender and Development to Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use. This range of disciplines gave us a wealth of insight on the potential approaches that exist to pursue development and reduce inequalities throughout the world today, and the relationships between these different approaches. The nature of the programme also allowed me to consider where I felt I could offer a real contribution in the realm of development. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to work with an Irish NGO on my thesis which offered me the chance to learn practically and to produce a piece of work useful to a real life organisation operating within the humanitarian sector.

Having graduated from the programme, I now feel better equipped - with more insight, capabilities and confidence – to pursue my career within the field of development.

Esther Breffka (MDP Graduate 2021)

I was particularly interested in pursuing the MDP at TCD for its holistic and critical approach towards the subject and process of study. Given the practice-oriented structure (three mandatory practical components), the two-years full-time MDP provided the opportunity to explore issues and challenges of development practice in theory and practice from a multi-faceted perspective.

One of the classes I enjoyed most was taught by Prof Murphy who as a practitioner and academic herself, shared her passion about climate and gender justice in a truly engaging and thought-provoking manner. She encouraged us to think critically - challenge existing norms, systems and approaches – and consider how we could apply our learnings in specific contexts with concrete impact.

A truly rewarding experience to me was the collaborative approach of learning from and with this new generation of passionate and critical thinkers. Throughout the entire programme, I felt inspired by the MDP family - a small cohort of fellows from diverse contexts striving towards extending their knowledge, thinking critically and being extremely aware of their social positionality. Together, we built a community of practice and care, for which I am deeply grateful.

Given its global nature, the MDP allows to study sustainable development from a context-sensitive and global systems perspective. Certain courses and workshops are hold at a global level and taken together with the global MDP fellows which opens horizons through discussing issues and challenges of sustainable development across geo-spatial boundaries, and building a global community of practitioners.

Andrew Neill (MDP Graduate 2019)

The MDP program was a fantastic pathway for me to explore the topics I am really passionate about, while also broadening my awareness and understanding of other development problems. Studying with classmates and lecturers with a range of lived experiences and expertise is an asset to the course for all involved. For me, the international placements were the highlight of the program and helped inform the decisions I would make upon graduating. I would recommend to any student to make the most of those opportunities as they build valuable research and professional skills that have been useful long after finishing the MDP.

Grace Duffy (MDP Graduate 2013)

I started the MDP course in Dublin after volunteering in East Africa over the course of two summers, and wanting to learn more about ‘how the world works’. What really attracted me to this particular course was the opportunity to partner the academic learning with field/work placements. My research placement was in Kigali, Rwanda, where I researched legislation on gender-based violence, I also secured a place with UN Women in New York, working with the Donor Relations & Reporting Team. I’ve found that having this element of practical experience to complement the academic experience has definitely helped me moving forward into the work place.  

Before I started the MDP, I wasn’t sure how I could apply my undergraduate degree in engineering to the course. I soon learned that the course draws on the widely varied knowledge, skills and experiences, both of the students and module coordinators. From research and statistics to project management; from economics to conflict, and so on. In this way, we could not only employ our different strengths, but also learn from others in areas that we might feel weaker.
I enjoyed the course, and would recommend anyone seeking a course in development to consider undertaking the MDP.  

Emmanuel Hakizimfura (MDP graduate 2013)

The combination of the theory and practice has made me feel and live the uniqueness of the Masters in Development Practice, an interdisciplinary program.
Interactive sessions with development practitioners, worldwide high profile pundits of Sustainable Development from different angles through live seminars, lectures and simulation-fashioned exercises have altogether enriched my understanding of the world, particularly development problems & prospects and international development cooperation, in addition to enlightening and enhancing my critical thinking, problem solving skills and even expanding the network for my career, just to name a few.

Furthermore, the hands-on experience on development bottlenecks, through field placement (in a development organization), has shed more light on the multi-faceted and complex nature of development issues. From that, I grasped more about the relevance and usefulness of the interdisciplinary approach of this program.  Moreover, the professionalism coupled with a devoted service of the TCD MDP coordination team has been highly contributing in creating an enabling environment for my learning. To sum up, I honestly don`t think I would have got that experience and great opportunity from any other program, if not the Masters in Development Practice I have been pursuing at TCD.

Safarani Seushi ( MDP graduate 2016)

It took me five years to find a Masters course that was perfect to what I had in mind for my career development. The classroom experience was one of a kind, from the lecture delivery to the weekly challenges that provide a platform for skill building and knowledge sharing. The lecturers are experienced and have worked in different parts of the world, so it’s always interesting when they share their knowledge (and stories) with us! Overall this course is well coordinated and I am appreciative of how it has the perfect balance between theoretical and practical learning content. I highly recommend it for those who have a passion in pursuing a career in international development!

What is the Dublin MDP?

1. What is a Master’s in Development Practice degree?

The Masters in Development Practice (MDP) is a one-year graduate degree providing students with the skills and knowledge required to better identify and address the global challenges of sustainable development, such as poverty, population, health, conservation, climate change, and human rights.

2. What makes Dublin MDP different?

Currently the bulk of development leaders are trained in narrow fields, usually in the social sciences, such as economics. By broadening their training and providing them with a knowledge base which includes health sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, and management, and by taking an integrated, holistic approach to finding solutions to development challenges, graduates are able to more effectively understand and address the root causes of extreme poverty and the challenges of sustainable development.

Further the Dublin MDP provides students with a unique practical-learning experience through the field placements.

Who are Dublin MDP students?

3. What type of student pursues this degree?

As a multidisciplinary programme, our students have a wide range of background profiles (engineering, international relations, computer sciences, natural sciences, law and political sciences). Recent graduates, as well as early and mid-career development professionals are pursuing the degree and are drawn from around the world

B) What are the special characteristics (requirements) of successful Dublin MDP candidates?

The minimum graduate admission requirements are: (1) a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution; (2) a satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and (3) readiness to take on graduate training in your chosen field. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency.

4. I am an undergraduate student with little practical/work experience, is this Dublin MDP for me?

Yes. We strive to attain a diverse environment in the MDP program to enhance peer-learning opportunities.  We welcome people from a wide variety of backgrounds and find that undergraduates with little work experience have knowledge that contributes to the MDP experience.  Approximately one third of the students in any given year are straight out of undergrad and are properly prepared to engage in this program.

5. Are applicants required to have worked professionally for a minimum period of time?

 No. However, strong knowledge of International Development, volunteer experience, and any other relevant information will strengthen your application.

6. I am a professional with many years of working experience looking to further my education, Is the Dublin MDP for me?

Yes. The MDP programme brings together academic and practical professional experience.  The knowledge and skills obtained in the workplace can easily be applied to the issue of sustainable development.  We welcome those who can share their experiences and knowledge with their classmates and strongly believe that this greatly enriches the learning environment.

7. Is there a specific academic background required to the programme?

No. All of our students come from a wide-range of academic backgrounds.  Some of their backgrounds include economics, international relations, environmental science, engineering, physics, earth science, management, commerce, geography, philosophy, languages, film, biology, and sociology. 

8. How many students are accepted each year?

We accept between 20 and 30 new students every year.

9. I am an international student. Will that affect my chances of being admitted?

No. International students are strongly encouraged to apply. Approximately half of our students every year come from outside of the European Union area. Our current student body includes people from every continent on the planet. MDP candidates are chosen based on their background, qualifications, and match with the program. 

Where can I go with a Dublin MDP?

10.What professional opportunities will I have with this degree?

The Dublin MDP enables students to pursue their career interests in a wide array of areas in international development. With the broad-range of topics addressed, practical experience obtained, and research and analytical skills acquired, graduates are prepared for the challenges presented by sustainable development and its related fields. Graduates have gone on to work in Non-Governmental Organisations, International Intergovernmental Organisations, Government agencies, and the Private Sector.

11. What skills will I acquire?

Within the course modules of the Dublin MDP, students acquire skills related to research methods, statistical analysis via STATA, economic models and impact evaluation, geographic information systems, policy frameworks and analysis, project creation and management, in addition to the exposure to current research and work in sustainable development.

12. Where will fieldwork placements be?

The field placements are throughout the world with various organizational and academic partners of the Dublin MDP. Past placements have included: the National University of Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, Repoa-Tanzania, Universidade  Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Trocaire (Rwanda), UNESCO (Senegal), OECD, UN Women (Regional Office- India), WHO, FAO, BRAC (Bangladesh), UN OCHA, and UN Headquarters (New York, USA).

13. What non-academic opportunities will also be available?

In addition to the modules and fieldwork placements, students are encouraged to engage in the regular seminars and conferences run by the Development Studies Association of Ireland, and other collaborating bodies. Students will have full exposure to current research by students, faculty and visiting scholars, in addition to seminars given by development professionals. Further, students will have ongoing opportunities with our practice-based organizational partners as need arises. For example students will have opportunities to take on extracurricular activities with Dochas, the Irish association of Non-Governmental Development organisations.

Other

14. Is there a dissertation/thesis requirement?

Yes, there is an independent research project, providing novel insight into a selected research area and written up as a dissertation.

15. Are scholarships available?

Please, check the funding opportunities section.

16. Can I defer my offer of admission?

With permission of the Programme Director (Prof Padraig Carmody), places can be deferred for up to one year upon payment of an initial deposit of €500.