University of Birmingham MSc Development Policy and Politics (Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship) 2026

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 the International Development Department 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.

The notion that 'politics matters' has increasingly become the mantra of development policymakers and practitioners – as well as development scholars - and there is now a growing recognition that development – whether at the national, subnational, regional or global levels - is inherently political. The problems that we face, and the opportunities in our grasp, require strong skills in political analysis skills as well as deep understanding of the political underpinnings of global development challenges. The teaching brings in lessons from around the world about politics, power, governance and policy, and we benefit from IDD’s truly multinational student body who enrich discussions through sharing their own experiences and expertise.

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 one of the following modules:

• Governance for Development (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.

• Table of Content
• About University of Birmingham
• Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship
• Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship Courses
• Requirements for Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship

The scholarship includes:

1. Full tuition fee
2. Air fare to and from the United Kingdom and visa
3. Monthly stipend of £1,592 for 18 months
4. Arrival allowance of £1,082

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

Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship Courses

• Development Policy and Politics

Requirements for Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship Master's Scholarship Qualification

The entry requirements consist of:

• A first class Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject from an approved university is essential. Anyone not meeting this minimum requirement will not be considered and should not apply.
  
  Relevant subjects include:
   
  • Social Policy
  • Sociology
  • Criminology
  • Cultural Studies
  • Politics
  • International Relations
  • Human Geography
  • General Social Sciences (excluding Business-related degrees)
  • Development Studies
  • Diplomacy
  • Environmental Studies
  • Psychology
  • Public Administration
  • Anthropology
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Community/Rural Development
  • Education

• 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.
  • If you are a national or domiciled in Sudan or Cameroon, please refer to the Government website.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applications for 2026 entry to the MSc in Development Policy and Politics (with Mo Ibrahim Foundation Internship) are now open. The application process has two stages:

1. You must first complete a pre-application screening form. This should be submitted as soon as possible.
2. If you are eligible, you will receive an email inviting you to submit a full application. The deadline to submit a full application is 17:00 (UK time) on Friday 24th April 2026.

For more information, kindly visit University of Birmingham scholarship webpage.