Its structure is identical to the MA, save for the fact that it does not include a dissertation. The pass mark for course work is also lower for those pursuing the PG Diploma. Students who initially register for the Postgraduate Diploma are eligible to be considered for upgrading to the MA after the first semester, depending on the standard of work achieved to this point. Details of Programmes' Duration and Candidates' Qualifications Both programmes begin in October each year. The Postgraduate Diploma is completed in June and the MA in September.
Candidates are normally graduates with a good honours degree or equivalent.
Experience in development work will also be an advantage and may exceptionally constitute an alternative basis for admission. All international students are required to take a test in competence in English before coming to the University of Leeds. Information concerning such tests, and more broadly on higher degrees in Britain, may be sought from local offices of the British Council. Both the MA and the Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies routinely recruit a rich mixture of students, with an annual cohort of around 30 to 35. Some are from the UK, but many are from abroad, with origins and experience in a wide range of countries.