ICTs for Development MSc/PGDip

In recent years there has been - and continues to be - a massive expansion in the number of information-and-communications-technology-for-development (ICT4D) projects (telecentres, ICT-enabled microenterprise, public service kiosks, e-government initiatives, e-health projects, ICT-in-education, etc) in developing and transitional economies.

Successful oversight of these projects requires 'ICT4D champions' who possess a combination of technical competencies (e.g. information systems skills) and contextual competencies (e.g. development skills). Such a combination is, as yet, rarely found.  This has resulted in a high project failure rate, and a recognition of training need.

This programme, therefore, aims to create the 'ICT4D champions' who combine the necessary skills to see ICT4D projects through to sustainable delivery of development goals.  At the end of the programme, participants will have been provided with:

• conceptual frameworks to understand the process of socio-economic development and the role of information and of ICTs in the development process; and
• new knowledge and skills to help in the effective planning, development, implementation and management of ICT4D initiatives

A range of optional modules provides an opportunity to satisfy specialist 'ICT4D champion' knowledge and skill requirements.

• Informal enquiries, prior to applications, are welcomed. Please contact either: Prof. Richard Heeks (Programme Director) | Tel:+44(0)161 275 2870 | Email: richard.heeks@manchester.ac.uk or Dr. Sharon Morgan (Programme Director) | Tel:+44(0)161 275 2827 | Email: sharon.morgan@manchester.ac.uk

An overseas field visit is an integral part of the programme. The cost of the visit is included in the programme fee. In addition, participants may undertake research visits to organisations applying information systems in practice in the UK. Fieldcourses may be scheduled at any point during the twelve-month period of the degree programme and this may include during University vacations. Successful applicants are expected to be available to attend.

Countries to be visited may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice. IDPM cannot guarantee that where visas are required for the field course, they will be granted. IDPM will ensure that, in the unlikely event this occurs, affected students are not academically disadvantaged.

Study fellows must complete four compulsory core units (two of which are alternates depending on the participant's choice of implementation or management focus), four optional modules and submit a dissertation of 12,000-15,000 words.

Core programme course units are:

• ICTs for Socio-Economic Development
• Planning & Managing Development

Alternate core course units are:

• Development Practice: International Contexts and Worlds of Action or
• Economic Development or
• Perspectives on Development

and

• Introducing Information Systems in Organisations or
• Issues in the Management of Information Systems

 Optional course units may include:

• Evaluation and Design of Educational Courseware
• HRD: Key Concepts
• E-Government
• Perspectives on Development
• Fundamentals of Information and Information Systems
• Characteristics and Skills of Development Practice 
• Civil Society and Public Action
• Economic Development
• Organisational Behaviour
• Gender and Development 
• Development Practice: International Contexts & Worlds of Action
• Multimedia Design and Development  
• Introducing Information Systems in Organisations 
• Issues in the Management of Information Systems
• HRD: Strategy
• E-Business: Organisation and Strategy
• Poverty and Poverty Reduction in Context
• ICTs in Practice
• Characteristics and Skills of Development Practice
• Contemporary Issues in Development Finance
• Research Skills Development

Availability of course units may vary from year to year.