UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
School of Social and International Studies
Bradford Centre for International Development
Programme title: MSc in Economics and Finance for Development
Awarding and teaching
institution:
University of Bradford
Final award and interim
award(s):
MSc
Postgraduate Diploma.
Postgraduate Certificate.
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
level 7]
Programme title:
Economics and Finance for Development
Programme approved /
accredited by:
N/A
Duration:
1 year full-time (2 – 5 years part-time)
UCAS code
N/A
Relevant subject benchmark
statement(s):
FHEQ Level:
N/A
Date produced:
March 2009
Last updated :
January 2014
7
Introduction
The MSc in Economics & Finance for Development provides you with a
systematic understanding of economic approaches to development and in particular
the role of the finance and financial institutions. This is a fascinating time to study
such questions and you will engage with critical and current themes in economic and
financial development. You will be able to evaluate the merits of the various
mechanisms of financing development and to understand the bases for financial
policy, and you will develop your skills required for the analysis of development
issues using relevant software packages. Additionally you have the opportunity to
study a range of options covering project and programme management, public
policy, and development policy.
On completion of this programme you may go on to work in an economics or finance
policy capacity in government, the private sector, in development agencies (e.g.
regional or national development banks) or in the third sector in a capacity relating to
economics and finance (e.g. Microfinance or enterprise support and development).
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Many BCID postgraduates show a personal commitment to development and have
some work experience in related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors.
You may see the programme as a means to change careers: to acquire the
necessary skills, knowledge and qualifications to become a development
professional. Other Master students may already have embarked on a career that
has some involvement with international development - in finance, say, or human
resource management. A high proportion of BCID postgraduate students are from
overseas, studying for a higher qualification with the support of their employer. A
BCID postgraduate programme provides you with the knowledge and skills required
for advancement to more senior, specialist posts.
The Bradford Centre for International Development (BCID) is a multidisciplinary
department within the School of Social and International Studies. The Centre’s
activities include postgraduate programmes, short training programmes for
development professionals, overseas-based consultancy, training and research.
Teaching staff have academic backgrounds in branches of economics and other
social sciences, and have specialist areas of expertise in topics such as project and
programme management, globalisation and trade, community development and
organisational change. All BCID programmes have strong vocational and skillbased elements, in line with the University’s mission of ‘Making Knowledge Work’,
and are designed to be relevant to contemporary issues and professions.
Programme Aims
The programme is intended to:
Postgraduate Certificate
A1
Develop your skills to enable you to evaluate theory and policy in relation to
economics and finance for development.
A2
Develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning.
A3
Develop your personal and transferable skills in communication, research and
planning.
Postgraduate Diploma
A4
Equip you with the knowledge and skills to critically analyse policy and
practice in relation to finance and International Economics.
A5
Equip you with the skills and understanding required to formulate strategies
for policy and practice in the financial sector.
A6
Equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical
practitioner.
MSc
A6
Critically analyse current and emerging research and practice.
A7
Critically appraise the nature of evidence in Economics and Finance for
Development.
A8
Formulate and independently investigate a complex research question and
communicate your findings at an advanced level.
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Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will be able to:
Postgraduate Certificate
LO1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in economic growth and
quantitative methods.
LO2. Critically appraise policy in relation to economic growth and quantitative
methods.
LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to economic
growth and quantitative methods.
LO4. Use statistical analysis to examine development issues, including regression
analysis.
LO5. Use initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument.
Postgraduate Diploma
LO6. Critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts in finance for development
and international economics.
LO7. Critically evaluate practice or policy-based intervention relating to international
economics and finance.
LO8. Synthesise complex information gathered from a range of sources.
LO9. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues.
MSc
LO10. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and
scholarship in a specialist area related to economics and finance for
development.
LO11. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and
applications.
LO12. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base guiding policy and
practice.
LO12. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship.
Curriculum
Postgraduate Certificate [Level 7]
Module
Code
Module Title
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
SD-7007D
Economic Growth and
Development
CORE
20
7
Semester 1
SD-7005D
Quantitative Methods
CORE
20
7
Semester 1
SD-7009D
Project Planning, Design and
Appraisal
OPTION
20
7
Semester 1
SD-7003D
Issues in Development Theory
OPTION
20
7
Semester 1
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SD-7014D
Organisations and Human Capacity
OPTION
20
7
Semester 1
Type
Credits
Level
Study
period
Topics in Finance
OPTIONAL
CORE
20
7
Semester 2
International Economics
OPTIONAL
CORE
20
7
Semester 2
SD-7001D
Finance for Development
CORE
20
7
Semester 2
SD-7010D
Human Resource Management
and Development
OPTION
20
7
Semester 2
SD-7013D
Project Appraisal and Economic
Analysis
OPTION
20
7
Semester 2
SD-7002D
Issues in Development Policy
OPTION
20
7
Semester 2
Postgraduate Diploma [Level 7]
Module
Code
EITHER
SD_7021D
OR
SD_7008D
Module Title
Masters [level 7]
Module
Code
SD-7015Z
Module Title
Dissertation (BCID)
Type
CORE
Credits
60
Level
7
Study
period
DISS
Occ
A
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval,
monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
Most teaching is lecture or group-based for modules , while individual supervisors
provide specialist guidance during dissertation writing (starting in Semester 2).
Hence, as the programmes progresses, the main learning method gradually
becomes more individualised and student-centred.
The programme starts with an intensive induction week to develop your learning and
personal development planning skills and to provide an introduction to IT and library
resources. Additional group and one to one support is provided for you if you
require it. You are introduced to academic writing, research and analytical skills as
part of the preparation for writing your dissertation.
To ensure the systematic development of knowledge of key subjects, modules are
assessed by a variety of assessments in addition to essays and formal
examinations. Group work, where the assessment may be based on a report or a
presentation, provides you with both team work experience and practice in different
ways of expressing arguments and information. Some modules may also use
problem-solving exercises or ask you to develop a portfolio of your work.
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Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/aqpo/ordinances-and-regulations/
Admission Requirements
The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their
previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of
each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our
assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability
to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each
programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a
combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience. A
typical application would include an Undergraduate Degree (2.2 honours or above)
UK system or comparative result if outside UK..
If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be
equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this
learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained
within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry
qualifications.
We are continually reviewing and developing our practices and policies to make the
University more inclusive, but if you are disabled we may need to make some
adjustments to make sure that you are not disadvantaged. We would advise you to
contact the programme leader before you apply to discuss these.
Learning Resources
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist library in the School of
Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support
your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group
study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students.
Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance
in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise
your references properly.
Student PC clusters can be found in both our libraries and elsewhere on the campus.
Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to
access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our journals are available online
(both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account,
personal information and programme-related materials this way.
Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7
IT helpline available.
Student Support and Guidance
Programme Team
Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by
the University and the Programme Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who
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is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal
concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you
feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive
series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your
programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.
Students’ Union
We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’
Union, through a system of student representatives and formal staff student liaison
committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.
The Students Union provide professional academic representation and advice. The
Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect
of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part
of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as
council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s
Union.
Employability and Career Development
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance their
employability profile, commitment towards a career pathway(s) and to implementing
a career plan. A range of skills developed in this degree are expected to enhance
your career prospects.
Professional career guidance and development support is available throughout your
time as a student and as a graduate from Career Development Services. The
support available from Career Development Services includes a wide range of
information resources, one to one appointments, a weekly workshop programme, a
mentoring programme, graduate recruitment and careers fairs, plus information and
help to you find part time work, summer work placements, internship programmes
and graduate/postgraduate entry vacancies. In addition, some students will receive
seminars and workshops delivered by Career Development Services as part of their
programme of study. All students are encouraged to access Career Development
Services at an early stage during their studies and to use the extensive resources
available on their web site www.careers.brad.ac.uk.
Career Development Services annually undertakes a survey of all postgraduates to
find out their destination six months after graduation. The survey gathers data on the
employment and further study routes graduates have entered and a range of other
information including job roles, name and location of employers, salary details etc.
The survey findings for each programme of study are presented on the programme
information pages on the University website and via Career Development Services’
website www.careers.brad.ac.uk
Learner Development Unit
For postgraduate students on taught programmes who are looking to improve their
marks during their time at university, study skills and maths advice is available to all
regardless of degree discipline. Students can access a programme of interactive
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workshops and clinics which is delivered throughout the year. This is in addition to
our extremely popular face-to-face guidance from our advisers, who also offer a wide
range of online and paper based materials for self-study.
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/learner-development/
Disability
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are
committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to
everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing support, advice and
equipment to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford. It is a place where
you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need,
whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information
contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:
disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
University policies and initiatives
Ecoversity
Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles
of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching,
research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not
claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading
University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including
teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our
commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this
initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a
clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development,
delivery, monitoring and review. In your programme you will find these principles
underlie the teaching learning and assessment strategies. The subject matter of this
programme is focussed on ‘development’ as a concept and therefore engages with
debates around equity, social justice and the use of resources on a global level. We
strive to ensure that students are able to become critical, independent thinkers who
can apply knowledge and take action.
In addition there are modules in which the themes and issues of ESD are particularly
exemplified, such as:

Economic Growth and Development which engages with the allocation
of resources and their impact on the reduction of poverty in developing
countries.
We are also committed in SSIS to giving you opportunities to engage in debates
about the meaning and future of Sustainable Development, as well as in the practice
of ESD, for example, through volunteering on and off campus, by taking action in a
series of activities as a School.
For more information on Ecoversity activities throughout the university see
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/ecoversity/
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Further Information:
For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact
Admissions.
The Admissions Office
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 233054
http://www.brad.ac.uk/courses/
Postgraduate Admissions Office
School of Social and International Studies
The University of Bradford
Richmond Road
Bradford, BD7 1DP
UK
+44 (0)1274 235255/4198
http://www.brad.ac.uk/ssis/bcid/
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and programme approval, enhancement and review procedures.
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Appendix 1 Curriculum Map
This table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed
and/or assessed:
Programme Learning Outcomes
Stage
Mod
LO
1
LO
2
LO
3
LO
4
LO
5
Pg
Cert
SD7007
D
A
A
A
A
S
SD7005
D
A
A
A
A
S
SD7014
D
S
S
SD7009
D
S
S
Pg
Dip
MSC
LO
6
LO
7
LO
8
LO
9
S
SD7008
D
A
S
A
A
SD7001
D
A
A
A
A
SD7010
D
A
A
SD7013
D
S
S
SD7015
Z
A
LO
10
LO
11
LO
12
LO
13
S
A
S
A
A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module
S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not
formally assessed
NB: The learning outcomes for optional modules in the programme are not indicated
in the above matrix. However, these will also map on this matrix and are expected to
reinforce several learning outcomes.
LO7 is achieved in all modules that are assessed using course work essay. It is also
achieved in the Research Project/Dissertation module.
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Learning Outcomes
Post Graduate Certificate in Economics and Finance for Development
LO1. Critically evaluate advanced theoretical concepts in development policy and
macroeconomics.
LO2. Critically appraise policy in relation to economics and finance for
development.
LO3. Evaluate complex information on a range of issues related to economics and
finance for development.
LO4. Use initiative in self-directed learning and construct written argument.
Postgraduate Diploma in Economics and Finance for Development
LO5. Critically reflect on advanced theoretical concepts in finance for development
and international economics
LO6. Critically evaluate practice or policy-based intervention relating to finance for
development and international economics.
LO7. Synthesise complex information gathered from a range of sources
LO8. Apply originality and creative problem solving in dealing with complex issues.
MSc in Economics and Finance for Development
LO9. Demonstrate a detailed and critical knowledge of current research and
scholarship in a specialist area related to economics and finance for development.
LO10. Identify appropriate research designs and methods for specific purposes and
applications
LO11. Identify gaps and inconsistencies in the evidence base guiding policy and
practice
LO12. Apply critical reasoning to the existing evidence base and scholarship
© University of Bradford
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Appendix 2. Assessment map
This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and
modules:
Methods of assessment
Stage
Mod
1
2
Pg
Cert
SD7007D
X
X
SD7005D
X
X
SD7003D
X
SD7014D
X
SD7008D
X
SD7001D
X
SD7013D
X
SD7010D
X
SD7015Z
X
Pg
Dip
MSc
3
4
5
X
X
X
X
1 = Coursework (e.g. essay; assignment; portfolio, etc)
2 = Individual Presentation (e.g. seminar paper)
3 = Group Presentation
4 = Group Assignment
5 = Dissertation or Project Report
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Appendix 3. Teaching map
This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and
stages:
Teaching Methods
Stage
Mod
1
2
3
Pg
Cert
SD7007D
X
X
X
SD7005D
X
X
X
SD7009D
X
X
X
SD7001D
X
X
X
SD7015Z
X
X
X
Pg
Dip
MA
1 = Lectures
2 = Seminars or computer based exercise
3 = Directed Study
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