Provided by FINISTECH, the MSc in Communication for Development programme offers advanced postgraduate education that explores how strategic communication drives social change, influences public health outcomes, shapes development policy, and transforms information systems. In today’s rapidly evolving world, where social advocacy and transformative change are more critical than ever, this program equips you with both theoretical foundations and practical expertise to use communication as a powerful tool for development and social impact.
Communication is no longer just about conveying messages—it’s about catalysing change, mobilising communities, influencing policy, and creating sustainable development outcomes. From public health campaigns that save lives to advocacy movements that shift societal norms, communication professionals are at the forefront of global development efforts. This program positions graduates as strategic communicators who can navigate complex development challenges across health systems, economic policy, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Our comprehensive curriculum bridges critical areas including health law and policy, developmental economics, science diplomacy, and communication and information systems. Students master both traditional and digital communication strategies—from extension and participatory communication to ICT-enabled development interventions. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on projects, professional internships, and applied research, graduates emerge as versatile professionals capable of designing and implementing communication strategies that drive measurable social impact in governmental, non-profit, private sector, and international development contexts.
Our MSc Communication for Development curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills across multiple domains:
If you’re a communication professional looking to progress into development-focused roles, international organisations, or social impact sectors, this is the ideal degree for you.
Perfect for journalists, broadcasters, and media workers who want to transition into development communication, advocacy journalism, or strategic communication roles with greater social impact.
Excellent choice for PR practitioners and marketing professionals seeking to apply their skills to social causes, non-profit organisations, and development initiatives.
Ideal for field workers, program officers, and development practitioners who need advanced communication skills to enhance program effectiveness, donor engagement, and community mobilisation.
Suitable for public health officers, epidemiologists, and healthcare administrators who want to master health communication strategies for behaviour change and health systems strengthening.
Perfect for policy professionals, researchers, and advocates who need to communicate complex policy issues effectively to diverse audiences and influence decision-makers.
Ideal for graduates from communication, journalism, social sciences, or international relations who want to specialise in communication for social change and development.
Excellent opportunity for government communicators, public information officers, and civil servants seeking to enhance their strategic communication and public engagement capabilities.
Valuable for social entrepreneurs, activists, and innovators who need communication expertise to scale their impact, attract funding, and drive systemic change.
Perfect for individuals passionate about working with international organisations like the UN, World Bank, WHO, or bilateral development agencies in communication and advocacy roles.
MSc Communication for Development graduates are positioned for impactful careers across diverse sectors, committed to social change and development:
Communication for Development professionals earn competitive salaries globally:
International organisations (UN, World Bank, INGOs) typically offer premium compensation packages with additional benefits including housing allowances, hardship pay, and international assignment premiums.
The MSc Communication for Development program opens doors to a meaningful, dynamic career where your communication expertise drives tangible social change. As the world faces complex challenges—from pandemics and climate change to inequality and conflict—skilled communicators who can bridge diverse audiences, translate evidence into action, and mobilise communities for change are more valuable than ever. This program positions you not just as a communicator, but as a catalyst for sustainable development and social transformation.
Ready to drive social change through strategic communication? Start your journey with FINISTECH today!
Professor Mbacham Wilfred brings over 30 years of distinguished experience in scientific research and academic leadership as President of FINISTECH University. His groundbreaking research focuses on pharmacogenomics, the molecular epidemiology of drug resistance in infectious diseases, and the critical intersection between communicable and non-communicable diseases. As Executive Director of the Multilateral Initiative on Malaria and principal investigator for the MARCAD consortium, Professor Mbacham has championed scientific advancement throughout West and Central Africa. His innovative “Pro-P.A.S.T.E.U.R.” educational philosophy has transformed tertiary education by professionalizing planning actions in science and technology. A Fellow of the Cameroon and African Academies of Sciences with over 150 publications, Professor Mbacham has secured significant international funding for research and capacity building, including EU-funded projects that have trained dozens of African and European researchers. His exceptional contributions were recognized with the 2017 World Academy of Science Prize for popularising and promoting science and technology in sub-Saharan Africa.
Studied Law and Interpretation. Was a journalist and Animator at Cameroon Radio and Television and Served as Translator/Interpreter at the National Assemblies of Cameroon. Served as an interpreter in the War Crimes Tribunal Arusha and continues in the same function at the ICC, the Hague.
Empowerment and Transformation for All (NewSETA). He is a co-founder and the immediate former Chair of the African Movement for Democracy (AMD). Ateki was a Hurford Fellow at the World Movement for Democracy, Washington DC in 2016, and a Draper Hills Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute, Stanford University, USA, in 2019. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Youth Movement for Democracy and was one of 11 African youths to debate President Emmanuel Macron at the New Africa-France Summit in Montpelier, in October, 2021
Holder of a Post Graduate Diploma in Library Sciences from the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne and a Bachelor of Library Science from University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Executive Director of EISERVI – Education Information Services International. Member of International Advisory Board of Book Aid International and Previously lnformation Services Manager at the British Council Cameroon. Actively engaged in the development of Library and information services across the primary to the tertiary academic sectors of Cameroon.
Rev Dr Ngome Elias attended the University of Dschang and the Cameroon Faculty of Evangelical Theology (FACTEC), where he obtained a degree in Agricultural Engineering (AE), a Master of Divinity (MDiv), a Master of Theology (MTH), and a PhD in theology and intercultural studies. He currently serves as the resident coordinator of the English Division of FACTEC and as the Cameroon Centre Region coordinator of Telio University Minnesota, T-Net Training of Pastors. His expertise lies in using agriculture as a tool for evangelism.
He earned his medical degrees in Nigeria, Kenya, and the UK. He runs the Nasah & Partners Practice at Dipple Medical Centre in Wickford, Essex, UK. He is a general practitioner specializing in providing services related to diagnostic and screening procedures, family planning, maternity and midwifery services, surgical procedures, and treatment of diseases, disorders, or injuries.
Studied Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Theatre for Communication, Education and Development. Served as Technical Adviser Ministry of Culture. Consultant for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Sensitisation UNAIDS, Sierra Leone and Theatre for Education Consultant, UNESCO Cameroon. Lecturer for Performing Arts at the Universities of Yaoundé I and Buea.
Experienced English language educator, with experience as a TESOL teacher at Technical High School and as a Regional Pedagogic Inspector for Bilingualism. I have also, served as a Full Bright Fellow with the American Embassy and as a National Pedagogic Inspector for Bilingualism. Additionally, I am the author of English language textbooks and a coordinator at the Centre for Language Acquisition and Pedagogy (CLAPED).
Dr Ken Obenson is a pathologist in New Brunswick, Canada. He graduated in medicine from the University of Lagos (1987) and is certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology, Cytopathology and Forensic Pathology. He is also certified in Perinatal Pathology (France). The Horizon Health Network currently employs Dr. Obenson and serves as Chief Forensic Pathologist for the province of New Brunswick in Eastern Canada
Holds a PhD in Applied Economics and Food Security from Newcastle University. He has previously worked in the Centre for Rural Economy, at Newcastle University and in the Action Against Stunting Hub at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. He part of the Perivoli Africa Research Centre and the Africa Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), at the University of Bristol, where he is actively engaged in research to advance the development of transformative care systems and economies for Africa.
Manka Gwei works at Citibank, she has risen along the ranks to Sub-Saharan Africa Franchise Governance Office; She served as Vice President; CFO – Cameroon, West and Central Africa Sub Cluster, Citibank Cameroon for 13 years; Business Finance Partner at Standard Chartered Bank; Senior Internal Auditor at All first Financial Inc. She is also teens teacher and is author of Christian books on teenage parenting.
A DVM from Nigeria, he is an Expert in Molecular Medical Microbiology with over 20 years of experience in animal disease surveillance and zoonosis. He acted as a visiting Postgraduate lecturer at the Biotechnology Center and also at the Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Y’dé 1. He is now an expert consultant at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, and a Steering Committee for Africa One Health Network member. Holds the position of Director General at LANAVET
Studied Medicine in Yaounde, Cameroon but majored in Public Health and within the years grown from Program Manager, Associate Director of Programs, Deputy Country Director and now country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Yaounde, Cameroon. He also serves as the Medical Advisor, Master in Vaccinology and Drug Development. Institute for Global Health, University of Siena
Akindeh is an Associate Professor of Biostatistics and Disease Modelling at the University of Yaoundé I’s Department of Biochemistry, and leads the Clinical and Laboratory Data Management Unit at the university’s Biotechnology Center. He has designed and managed over five clinical trials on anti-malarial drugs and consulted for the WHO on a tuberculosis drug trial. Akindeh serves on the university’s ethics board and is a member of multiple scientific networks, including the Society of Epidemiology Cameroon and the CoMo consortium. His research focuses on using mathematical models for disease control, and he is part of WHO’s Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence Advisory Group.