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.

Postgraduate open days provide a great opportunity to take a look at the University and find out what Manchester has to offer you. For further information, please see: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/opendays

Academic entry qualification overview: Applicants should have a Bachelors degree with a minimum classification of Second Class Honours Upper Division (2:1) or its international equivalent.

Admission of candidates who do not meet this criterion may be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or professional experience can be provided. Please contact the School's admissions office for further guidance.

English language:

Applicants whose first language is not English should meet the following language requirements:  

• IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum writing score of 6 and 6 in the other subsections 
• TOEFL iBT overall score of 88 with a score of 22 in the written section and 22 in the other subsections 
• Pearson PTE overall score of 59-65 with a minimum score of 59 in the written section and 59 in all other
• Cambridge CAE/CPE grade B/C

Some English language test results are only valid for two years. Your English language test report must be valid on the start date of your course.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country .

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

• Part-time Study

Part-time students complete the full-time programme over 24 months.  There are NO evening or weekend course units available on the part-time programme, therefore if you are considering taking a programme on a part-time basis, you should discuss the requirements with the Programme Director and seek approval from your employer to have the relevant time off.  Timetabling information is normally available from late August from the Programme Administrator and you will have the opportunity to discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

Each course unit generally requires two shorter or one longer coursework assignment. For core units, assignments typically relate to key real-world ICT4D, development or information systems issues. Some course units may have an examination component.

Participants must also complete a 12,000-15,000 word dissertation on a topic of their choice approved by the Programme Directors. Study fellows are encouraged to base their dissertations on topics of direct professional concern to themselves.

The Arthur Lewis Building provides excellent resources including analytical laboratories, studio facilities, workshops, seminar rooms, an on-site cafe and dedicated computer clusters including GIS facilities.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk

The programme is designed for those applying, or seeking to apply, information and communication technologies in pursuit of socio-economic development goals.  It will include those who have, or plan to have:

• direct design and implementation responsibilities and/or
• project managerial responsibilities and/or
• broader strategic or policy-related responsibilities.

Typical participants could be:

• early-career professionals who have found themselves involved with ICT4D projects and want a period to reflect, learn and broaden their impact and career horizons;
• technical staff involved with ICT4D projects who wish to add systems, managerial and development skills to their portfolio;
• computing graduates who wish to make ethical use of their skills but lack the necessary understanding of systems and development.

The programme is relevant to those with career trajectories in the NGO and public sectors, and in the private sector given the private sector's increasing involvement with ICT4D projects.  It is particularly intended for those who will be working in or with transitional and developing economies.