University of Birmingham Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship in Development Policy and Politics (Fully Funded)

The International Development Department, University of Birmingham, is pleased to offer one scholarship for our MSc in Development Policy and Politics (with Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship). 

The scholarship is provided by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is for a two-year programme, with the successful candidate undertaking the full one-year MSc programme, as well as an integrated one-year internship. The internship enables the successful candidate to spend six months with IDD working on research with academics and the GSDRC and then six months with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in London working alongside the team on a variety of the Foundation’s initiatives that aim to “put governance at the centre of Africa’s development”. This includes participating in the Now Generation Forum, a new forum for African emerging leaders and young professionals as part of the Ibrahim Forum and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

This MSc makes a direct link between academic and practical policy approaches to development, rooted in theory and in evidence. IDD’s cutting edge research on governance, leadership, democracy, thinking and working politically and much more informs our teaching, and students are exposed to innovations and rigour, complexity and debate, bridging theory and practice.

The pathway for the Foundation scholarship comprises the following compulsory modules:

• International Development (20 credits)
• Development Policy and Politics (20 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits). An in depth focus on a topic of particular interest, with support from a supervisor. This may involve overseas fieldwork in a country chosen by the candidate.

Choose on of the following modules:

• Governance and State-building (20 credits)
• Democracy, Dictatorship and Development (20 credits)

Optional modules (60 credits)

Choose from any module from across the School of Government. You may choose a module from another school or college with the agreement of the Programme Director.

Eligibility Criteria:

The entry requirements consist of:

• A first class Honours degree or equivalent from an approved university is essential.
• Applicants must be under 30 years of age at the time of applying.
• Good written and spoken English. For those whose first language is not English, evidence of this capacity is required. Applicants should reach at least level 6.5 in the IELTS or 580 /93 for TOEFL. Please check the University website for more information on English language requirements.
• Applicants must be African nationals domiciled (or permanent residents) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship candidates living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The scholarship

The scholarship includes:

1. Full tuition fee
2. Air fare to and from the United Kingdom and visa
3. Monthly stipend of £950 for 18 months
4. Arrival allowance of £950

The remaining six months for the internship will be funded directly to the successful candidate by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

Application process

• Applications must be received through the University online application system, by 8 April 2024.
• In addition to the usual documents to be submitted, you must also upload a 500 word statement and CV.
• This statement should set out why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the University of Birmingham Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: 8 April 2024