Applications are invited for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship for MSc in Politics and Development Policy 2023-2024. The scholarship is awarded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and is for a two-year programme, with the successful candidate undertaking the full one-year master's programme as well as a one-year integrated internship.

The internship allows the successful candidate to spend six months with the Department of International Development, University of Birmingham, 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 aimed at "putting governance at the centre of Africa's development". This includes taking part in the Now Generation Forum, a new forum for emerging African leaders and young professionals as part of the Ibrahim Forum and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

Programme details

The notion that "politics matters" has increasingly become the mantra of policymakers and development practitioners - as well as development scholars - and there is now growing recognition that development - whether at national, sub-national, regional or global level - is inherently political. The problems we face, and the opportunities available to us, require strong political analysis skills, as well as a deep understanding of the political underpinnings of global development challenges. Teaching brings lessons from around the world on politics, power, governance and policy, and benefits from IDD's truly multinational student body who enrich discussions by sharing their own experiences and expertise.

This master's degree establishes a direct link between academic and practical policy approaches to development, rooted in theory and evidence. IDD's cutting-edge research on governance, leadership, democracy, policy thinking and work and much more informs the teaching, and students are exposed to innovation and rigour, complexity and debate, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

The path to the Foundation scholarship comprises the following compulsory modules:

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

Choose one of the following modules:

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

The scholarship includes:

• Full tuition fees
• Airfare to and from the UK and visa
• Monthly allowance of £950 for 18 months
• £950 arrival allowance

Eligibility
Entry requirements consist of:

• A first-class honours degree or equivalent from an approved university is essential.
• Candidates must be under 30 at the time of application.
• Good written and spoken English. For those whose first language is not English, proof of this ability is required. Applicants must achieve at least level 6.5 in IELTS or 580 /93 for TOEFL. Please consult the University's website for more information on English language requirements.
• Applicants must be African citizens domiciled (or permanently resident) in an African country. Preference will be given to scholarship applicants residing in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Application

Applications must be received via the University's online application system by 31 March 2023. In addition to the usual documents to be submitted, you must also upload a 500-word statement and a CV. This statement should indicate why you are the best candidate for the scholarship.

You should then send your application identification number to Debra Beard. Include 'Mo Ibrahim Scholarship' in the subject line of the email. Do not include any supporting documents in this e-mail.

For more information, visit Mo Ibrahim Foundation.