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MRes International Development
Programme information was correct at 23 July 2013.
Programme
Qualifications and durations
- Full-time MRes 1 year
- Full-time PG Diploma Research 9 months
- Full-time PG Certificate Research 4 months
- Part-time MRes 2 to 5 years
- Part-time PG Diploma Research 21 months
- Part-time PG Certificate Research 16 months
Overview
The programme is designed for those wishing to pursue PhD research and those seeking to develop careers as policy analysts or applied researchers in international development.
The programme:
- combines the academic study of key international development issues with a comprehensive exploration of research methods and skills
- offers a detailed examination of current and applied international development research
- supports the application of knowledge and skills to address contemporary research questions.
- comprises a mix of Faculty-wide research-based units and departmental disciplinary-based specialisations.
South West Doctoral Training Centre
This MRes is accredited by the Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC), specifically, as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Centre (SWDTC). It forms part of the Area and Development Studies Discipline-specific Pathway.
The MRes can be taken as a course in its own right, or as part of the 1 + 3 (MRes + PhD) pathway, where successful graduates could proceed onto an MPhil or PhD in the Department of Social & Policy Sciences.
If applying for an MRes + PhD (the 1 + 3 programme) you should indicate on the Application Form, your preferred PhD route.
Progression from the MRes to the MPhil or PhD stage is dependent on achieving an acceptable level of achievement (typically an overall average of 60% on at least the taught component of the MRes).
Programme structure
Core Units
- International development and poverty
- Short and long research apprenticeship projects
- Quantitative methods 1
- Qualitiative methods 1
- Principles & skills of social research
- Research skills and dissertation prepartation
- Dissertation
Optional Units
- Sociology & anthropology of development
- Policy theory & the politics of developing countries
- Comparative European social policy
- Globalisation 1: political sociology of globalisation
- Economics for International Development
- International policy analysis
- Quantitative methods 2
- Qualitiative methods 2
- Critical issues in social development
- Management of Development
- International development extended essay
- World politics, conflict , security & development
- Sustainable development livelihoods and wellbeing
- Wellbeing & human development 2 : development ethics
- One of Regional research specialisms (Africa, South America or South East Asia)
Programme intake is limited to 10 students per year, fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
- First or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university. or
- an equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience.
English Language requirements
Certificates must be dated to within two years of the start of the programme of study.
- IELTS 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components)
- TOEFL 600 (paper-based test) or 250 (computer-based test) with a score of not less than 4 in TWE or 100 (internet-based test) with not less than 24 in each of the components.
If you wish to improve your English proficiency before commencing your studies, pre-sessional language training can be arranged through the English Language Centre.
References
- Two references are required. At least one of these must be an academic reference.
Read details for how to apply to study.
Financial information
Costs
Potential sources of funding
- ESRC funding will not be available for 2013/14 - details for 2014/15 will follow.
- Studentships and Scholarships
- Students from Commonwealth countries studying this programme are eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Scheme (CSSS) Award.
Deadlines
We suggest you apply before the following dates if you wish to study this programme:
- 30 June 2013 for International Students (who need to apply for a UK Visa).
- 31 August 2013 for Home/EU students.
- Funding deadlines for Studentships and Scholarships
Contact
Email: sps-pgt-admissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 38 6634
Related links
Our Research
Main areas of research
We are an internationally-recognised research-intensive department with a strong focus on policy and practice and a commitment to contribute to social wellbeing and social justice.
We draw together academic staff with backgrounds in Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work and International Development and work closely with colleagues in Psychology, Economics, and Health.
We also have an active and vibrant community of research students undertaking their own research alongside our academic staff.
Research Centres
- Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy (CASP)
- Centre for Death and Society (CDAS)
- Centre for Development Studies (CDS)
- Wellbeing in Developing Countries Research (WeD)
- History of Technology Research Unit (HOTRU)
Research themes
Our five research themes are:
- Children, Young People, Families
- Lifelong Health and Wellbeing
- Work and Welfare
- Global Transformations and Insecurity
- Governance and Policy Design
Departmental Staff
Find out more about our staff and their research interests.
About the Department
Introduction
The Department of Social & Policy Sciences includes academics from social policy, sociology, social work and international development.
The international excellence of our research was recognised by the award of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. We were also graded 2nd in the country for Social Work and Social Policy and Administration in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). The 2008 RAE exercise recognised the Department for its top 4*(star) research - 'quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour'.
International Development staff were part of the submission to the Development Studies research panel that was ranked 4th in the country.
We are committed to advancing learning and knowledge through teaching and research. Our Department collaborates with a wide range of users at the local, national, European and global levels.
Postgraduate programmes
We offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Our postgraduate teaching strongly reflects our research and our links to policy-makers and development institutions at the national, European and global level.
Our Department also has an active MPhil/PhD research programme. We take great pride in fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.
Seminar series
We run a lively and well attended postgraduate research seminar series. Each of the Research Centres run seminar series and conferences associated with their research activities. The University of Bath also has a Research in the World public lecture series where key national and international academics are invited to speak.
Careers information
We are committed to ensuring that postgraduate students acquire a range of subject-specific and generic skills during their training. Our graduates generally go on to work in a wide variety of organisations, for example:
- social research in universities and research institutes, government, business, voluntary organisations and international organisations
- public policy analysis at local, national and international levels
- public information and campaigning within organisations concerned with wellbeing, sustainability and social justice.
