International Development

It is aimed at advanced level learners who hold a primary degree or equivalent qualifications and who have experience of working in a development context in Ireland or in other countries in the Global North or South. Particularly welcome are leaders, facilitators and managers of community development projects, government and development agency staff, people involved in pastoral ministry, researchers, development educators, volunteers and activists. This course is also relevant to academics in the countries of the Global South engaged in teaching and research in development. Places are also retained for recent graduates who wish to study further before embarking on a career in development work.



Full-time learners take most taught modules in a classroom setting (on-campus delivery), while certain modules are available online only. On-campus delivery of each 10 credit module involves 25 hours of class contact. Reflecting the diverse needs of our student population, a flexible approach to such delivery is taken with some courses offered through 2.5 hour taught classes over 8-10 weeks with others offered through more concentrated one week blocks of time depending on timetable requirements and arrangements. Online learning is structured to allow learners to study at their own pace over a semester.



Learning Approach

The Postgraduate Diploma in International Development adopts a learner-centred, participative approach to learning. This, combined with the diverse groups of full- and part- time learners, including a significant number of students from the Global South, creates a unique learning environment that builds on both the diverse array of experiences of learners and on the knowledge of experienced academic staff.

60 ECTS credits are required to complete the full Postgraduate Diploma in International Development. PG Diploma learners must complete four compulsory taught modules (35 credits in total) - Contemporary Global Issues, Challenges and Responses (or Introduction to Development Theory and Practice), Critical Learning and Participatory Development Practice; Gender, Identity and Inclusion and Research Methods - as well as choose from a number of elective modules to make up the remaining 25 credits. These address subjects such as: conflict, development and security, political economy of environment and development, managing development organisations, results-based management, anthropology and development and global food systems.



Learners who enroll on the Postgraduate Diploma can transfer to the 90-credit MA in International Development at a later date should they wish to do so, and will get credit for any modules already completed.



Please see Course Web Page link above for module details.

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of second-class honours, grade 2 (2:2) in a development-related discipline (e.g. agricultural science, anthropology, economics, education, engineering, geography, health-related discipline, nutrition, rural development, sociology or other social science etc.) or a recognised international equivalent. Those with a professional background in work related to international development are particularly welcome to apply.



Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 5 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here (https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/mu/graduate-studies/recognition-prior-learning/applying-for-rpl) for further information.

MH52N: 1 year full-time

MH53N: 2 to 4 years part-time/flexible and distance learning.

Closing Date : 14 August 2026



Commences: September.



Part-time learners are encouraged to register at that time, but can start modules at different times of the year based on module availability.

Graduates of this programme are well placed to pursue a career in development and humanitarian related field either overseas or in Ireland, including both 'hands on' management/field positions overseas, support roles in head offices and/or working in the development education sphere domestically. The course is appropriate for those already working in the sector but looking to 'upskill', those recently returned from overseas work or volunteer experiences or those contemplating a career in the sector.