Paul Staines

MSc International Development

Why did you choose the MSc Development/ International Development with Philanthropy?

My working life in local government was increasingly taking me down an ever narrower route, also at a time of swinging cuts, with certainty of redundancy. I have always kept an eye on global affairs and wondered why the world was viewed as it was. The course, I thought, offered me an opportunity to: a) open up a potential new career path doing something useful for humanity and b) understand a little more about global politics.

What are the strengths of this course?

For me a huge strength is there is a part time option. I could not juggle work and study.There was a lot of time for discussion and group work and to date the course has been stimulating.

How will this course enhance your future career?

My existing qualifications are either not to a standard or too old. Everyone else, working at my scale at work, has at least a Masters.

Why would you recommend MSc International Development?

There has (based on one year’s experience) been a varied mix of topics to consider. It has been really interesting to meet fellow students from a mixture of backgrounds - from outside the UK, of different ages and work/life experiences.