How is the MA Social Development Studies different from a social work master's?

Social work is a regulated profession with a different qualification pathway. The MA Social Development Studies prepares graduates for senior community development, social research, programme management and policy roles — adjacent to social work but distinct from it.

Does the MA Social Development Studies cover quantitative methods?

Yes — at MA level. The advanced methods core covers survey design, descriptive and inferential statistics, secondary-data analysis and an introduction to causal inference. Students with a quantitative bent can specialise further in their dissertation methodology.

Can I do the MA Social Development Studies part-time?

Yes. The MA can be taken over 24 months part-time. Online and distance routes are designed for working sector professionals — most students continue in roles through the course, with the dissertation built around their own context.

What kind of dissertation do students write on the MA Social Development Studies?

Original applied research, 12,000–15,000 words, with full ethical review. Recent dissertations have covered intergenerational community programmes, evaluation methodology for place-based foundations, refugee integration in UK cities, and theory-of-change practice in INGO contexts.

Is the MA Social Development Studies recognised by UK and international employers?

Yes. It is a UK-recognised master's degree taught in London with substantial senior-industry input. The credential and the applied dissertation are exactly the kind of evidence UK charities, local authorities, research agencies and INGOs look for at senior level.

MA Social Development Studies in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The MA Social Development Studies at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a one-year UK postgraduate degree for senior charity, public-sector and INGO professionals ready for research-track work. You will study advanced social research methods, programme design and evaluation, and the political economy of UK and international social development — and produce a 12,000-to-15,000 word dissertation based on original applied research.

This MA assumes meaningful work experience in the sector at entry and exists to give that practice rigorous credentialing. By the end of the MA Social Development Studies you can design and conduct credible applied research, lead evaluation work to academic and donor standards, and engage with both scholarly and policy conversation in the field.

Key Features

Advanced social research methods core — qualitative, quantitative, mixed and participatory methods at master's standard.
Programme design and evaluation module — theory of change, log frames, formative and summative evaluation, contribution analysis.
Political economy of social development module — UK welfare state, international development, donor systems.
Applied research project early in the year — small-scale study with full ethical review.
Industry-led masterclasses from senior community development officers, social researchers, INGO programme managers and policy researchers.
12,000–15,000 word dissertation based on original applied research.

What You Will Learn

The MA Social Development Studies is structured around the working life of a senior social researcher, programme manager or community development lead. You graduate able to design and conduct research that meets academic and donor standards, lead evaluation, and contribute to both scholarly and policy conversation.

Advanced social research methods — qualitative, quantitative, mixed, participatory and arts-based.
Programme design — theory of change, log frame, adaptive management.
Evaluation — formative, summative, contribution analysis, realist evaluation.
UK social policy — welfare, housing, health, education, criminal justice at depth.
International development — donor systems, programming cycles, current critical conversations.
Community development practice — asset-based working, participatory planning, coalition building.
Research ethics — consent, safeguarding, voice, do-no-harm at MA standard.
Dissertation methodology — design, write-up at MA standard.

Who This MA Is For

Senior community development officers and local-authority leads moving into research or evaluation work.
Charity programme managers and policy leads wanting research-track credentialing.
INGO programme managers and country directors specialising in evaluation or research.
Future academics preparing for PhD work in social policy, development studies or community practice.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the MA Social Development Studies move into senior research, programme and policy roles across UK and international social development. Typical post-MA destinations include:

Senior Community Development Officer (local authority, community trust)
Social Researcher (lead — research agency, government social research)
Local Authority Officer (lead — community safety, public engagement, policy)
Charity Programme Manager (national charity, place-based foundation)
Public Engagement Lead (NHS trust, museum, research institute)
Senior Policy Officer (national charity, professional body, think tank)

The MA also serves as a launchpad for doctoral research in social policy and development studies.

Entry Requirements

A UK 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a related subject, OR a 2:2 in any subject with two years of relevant professional experience.
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement (max 1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant experience and intended specialism.
Two academic or professional references.
Applicants without a related undergraduate degree may be considered with significant industry experience and a written sample.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.