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MSc International Development
Programme information was correct at 23 July 2013.
Programme
Qualifications and durations
- Full-time MSc (90 credits - 1 year)
- Full-time Postgraduate Diploma (60 credits - 9 months)
- Full-time Postgraduate Certificate (30 credits - 4 months)
- Part-time MSc (90 credits - 2+ years)
- Part-time Postgraduate Diploma (60 credits - 21 months)
- Part-time Postgraduate Certificate (30 credits - 16 months)
Overview
The MSc International Development provides a multidisciplinary social science-based analysis and understanding of international development.
Students undertaking this programme will:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of current issues in international development policy and practice.
- Study a critical in-depth analysis of specific aspects of international development relating to specific areas of interest.
We also encourage diversity of intake in terms of experience, qualifications and interests to stimulate the mutual experience and learning.
This programme has a limited intake of students per year, fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.
The excellence of the research undertaken within the Department of Social & Policy Sciences has been recognised most recently by the award of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. We were also ranked 2nd in the country in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.
Programme structure
Core Units
- Foundations of international development
- Economics for international development
- Sociology & social anthropology of development
- Policy and politics of developing countries
- International development; towards synthesis
- Research skills and dissertation preparation
Optional units
- Critical issues in social development
- Globalisation & economic insecurity: social policy challenges
- Globalisation 2: political economy of globalisation
- Management of development
- World politics: conflict, security & development
- Sustainable development: livelihoods and wellbeing
- Wellbeing & human development 2: development ethics
- Wellbeing assessment in public policy and development practice
Students can also study one regional research specialism from South Asia, Africa and Latin Americaas part of an international development extended essay.
View Programme & Unit Catalogue for further information.
Please note:
- The programme catalogue and units listed above are applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only and should be treated as an example of the programme content. Students beginning or continuing their studies in 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that later years of a programme will be in the format displayed here.
- Programmes and Units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
- Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
Learning and teaching
Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the examinations, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.
Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars. Lectures are quite formal, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for study skills and discussion.
Methods of assessment
Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects, oral presentations and examinations.
We also place strong emphasis on developing presentation and discussion/communication skills, which in many units is part of the assessed work.
Careers
The Social & Policy Sciences department is 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, such as:
- 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.
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
- 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.
