International development

Development Tools and Skills

Module code: L2146S
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework, Take away paper

Explore a range of key tools, approaches and skills used in the development world to identify, design and evaluate development interventions.

The module will take a hands-on approach, allowing you to develop skills that are useful in development. They will also be useful in many other types of work in public policy, private and voluntary sectors.

You’ll study skills and tools such as:

  • project management
  • problem analysis
  • stakeholder analysis
  • risk analysis
  • cost-benefit analysis
  • logical frameworks.

You'll also gain experience of working in teams, as well as in presenting clear and convincing arguments, and in advocacy and negotiating.

The module is based around a series of three-hour workshops where you'll work in groups to apply a variety of tools and skills to different development scenarios and then reflect critically on your strengths and weakness.

By the end of this module you'll be able to: 

  • demonstrate knowledge of a range of key tools and approaches used in development organisations to identify, design and evaluate development programmes.
  • gain practical experience of using and applying these tools and approaches.
  • critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these tools and approaches.
  • develop interpersonal skills of working in teams, in presenting clear and convincing arguments, and in advocacy and negotiating.

Module learning outcomes

  • To demonstrate knowledge of the key steps and processes involved in designing development programmes and consider how these can be decolonised to better contribute to global solidarity and social justice.
  • To demonstrate knowledge of a range of tools, skills and approaches used by organisations in the Global South and North to understand development issues and to design and evaluate development programmes.
  • To gain practical experience of using and applying several tools, skillsand approaches.
  • To critically evaluate the strengths, weaknesses and consequences of using alternative tools, skills and approaches.
  • To develop interpersonal skills of building relationships, working in teams and in presenting clear and convincing analysis.