The university is based on 3 campuses, all within 10 minutes of Reading town centre. The student population is over 15,000 and there is a staff of 4,000. The International and Rural Development Department (IRDD) was formed in 2001 through the merger of the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development Department (AERDD) and the International Development Centre (IDC).

1. MSc in Communication for Development - This Master of Science (MSc) programme aims to develop a critical understanding of communication theory and the practical application of communication media in development contexts as well as strengthen professional competence in the design, planning and management of information and knowledge interventions.
   
   By the end of the programme participants should be able to:
   • Understand ways in which the links between international development and communication processes have been conceptualised and studied
   • Identify the social, economic and political forces which shape people's access to communications technology and infrastructure
   • Explain the principles of human communication in the context of sustainable livelihoods.
   The programme is particularly relevant for development professionals with responsibilities for communication, knowledge management and "knowledge transfer" functions, media professionals intending to move into development support communications and those intending to proceed to a higher degree by research in communication for development.
   
   Click here for more information.
   
   Click here for information on applying to this programme.
   
   
2. MA in Social Development and Sustainable Livelihoods - This Master (MA) programme provides opportunities for developing relevant analytical and management skills through exploring the wider issues of social change and an appreciation of cultural factors in development. Participants on the MA programme are usually graduate professionals with practical experience of working to improve livelihoods through planned development interventions. They include social scientists, home economists, medical and health professionals, teachers as well as administrators and managers.
   
   The curriculum is based on the social sciences, drawing insights from sociology and social anthropology, social psychology and development economics. It introduces participants to a wide range of themes including: concepts and methods of social development; social policies analysis of social organisations and social processes, including planned development interventions. The programme aims to develop participants' understanding of theoretical frameworks for analysing change and to strengthen professional competence in planning, managing and monitoring activities that have implications for livelihoods.
   
   The programme aims to develop an understanding of the conceptual and theoretical frameworks for the analysis of social change brought about by planned development interventions and strengthen professional competence in the design, implementation and critical evaluation of planned social change.
   
   Click here for more information.
   
   Click here for information on applying to this programme.