After starting her career in software engineering and progressing to a role with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Lara wanted to pursue a master’s degree to enhance her career prospects and complement her experience, choosing MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action.

Lara secured a prestigious Chevening Scholarship which helped her to move to the UK from Jordan to start the course.

We spoke to Lara to find out what led her to Bath and how her degree has helped her in her career.

Computer science meets humanitarianism

Before starting my master’s, I worked for about five years in software engineering in the private sector and then made a switch to the humanitarian sector through a role with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). I worked in the UN office for the Middle East and North Africa region, and subsequently in the Jordan office as a data analyst.

During this time, I saw how my computer engineering background fitted into the humanitarian context and ended up wanting to gain more experience in the field.

Choosing Bath for my career progression

I chose to study International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action at Bath as this pathway allowed me to take optional units in economics, which allowed me to combine my two interests.

Bath was the highest-ranking in my university choices, so I was very happy to come here.

Another big reason for choosing the course was that it offered a practicum (now called a consultancy project). As a professional, I wanted my degree to help further strengthen my career and help me gain more practical experience in international development. For my practicum, I worked in a consultancy role at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. I also worked remotely from Bath as a data analyst for their Geneva office. On top of that, I worked as a policy researcher with the British Embassy, dealing with policy-related issues in Jordan. This was something I really felt I was able to apply my knowledge from previous jobs and the master's itself.

Having the chance to do my practicum with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies was huge. It gave me international experience and helped me build strong professional connections. I published a report on this, which demonstrated my ability to deliver.

Opening up opportunities and broadening my perspective

After graduating and doing some further work with UNHCR, I was contacted by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Jordan, and now work with them focusing on monitoring, evaluation, and assessment – a new direction for me in my work.

WFP runs a wide range of programmes, from school feeding and refugee assistance to supporting Jordan’s National Aid Fund. I’m involved across the board: from aligning budgets with strategic goals to monitoring progress, managing evaluations, and ensuring projects are efficient, impactful and on track.

Two parts of my course were particularly valuable for this: the practicum and the research components. My work involves a lot of qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the course really prepared me for that. The “theory of change” frameworks we studied have been especially helpful. As part of my course, I learnt to use these tools looking at cultures different from my own experience; this is invaluable for expanding the choices you can make after the course.

My academic experience also broadened my understanding of humanitarian responses across different regions and helped me see the bigger picture of the global effort and strategies - I’d never considered how politically motivated aid can be in some countries, for instance.

My case studies included crises in China and Europe, outside of my usual scope, and helped deepen my knowledge. I was able to bring that insight into a new role, applying my thesis work on anticipatory action and early warning systems in humanitarian contexts, like the example of flood thresholds in Bangladesh triggering pre-emptive support. My experience at looking at anticipatory action stood out to my hiring manager – as this has become key in climate resilience projects.

A global cohort

The course itself had a relatively small cohort size, which meant we were able to build stronger relationships with each other and our tutors.

I had classmates from countries like Spain, Japan and Turkey, as well as the UK, so I was able to connect with people from all over the world. Despite time differences, I’ve stayed close with them all and my friend Adina, who now works in London, also in monitoring and evaluation, is coming to visit next week. I’ll introduce her to my colleagues, which is great for both professional exchange and friendship.

Our tutors at Bath are very active in the field and passionate about their subjects of study and helped us broaden our horizons. We were able to attend webinars, debates, and similar events that allowed us to go beyond the theoretical and apply our studies to real-life situations. One example of this was when Professor Jason Hart invited us to a webinar in which he spoke about the situation in Gaza with Save the Children.

The course structure allows space to explore electives from other courses and to learn from peers. I couldn’t do everything I wanted, but I did look at global political economy and learned from friends doing management courses that I was really interested in.

Discovering the unforgettable city of Bath

I loved studying in Bath so much! I love that the city has its own history, with its beautiful Roman baths and its marvellous architecture. There is great scenery, and I loved taking pictures of all the old houses. The Royal Crescent, Sham Castle… it is absolutely magnificent. For me, it wasn’t just about the course. It’s also where I met the love of my life. So, it was a personal journey too!

Bath truly feels like a ‘university city’ - it is very tailored to students. Everyone is friendly to both home and international students. In the past, I’ve travelled where people are not very accustomed to seeing a foreigner, but Bath was very welcoming. The food and culture are very diverse. I eat halal food, and there were halal options everywhere. At the university, there is an Islamic Society, and an Arab Society as well. I am also interested in Japan, so I was able to join the Anime society, too. I just loved living in such a splendid city.

Studying as a Chevening Scholar

I was thrilled that I received a Chevening Scholarship to study at Bath. As a third-generation Palestinian refugee in Jordan, the programme allowed me to not only draw from my own experiences but also gain a deeper insight into the conflicts that have deeply impacted my region.

In my role at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, I was able to provide vital support to refugees in the MENA region, especially in the wake of the Syrian, Yemeni, and Iraqi crises. The Chevening Scholarship was an ideal fit for my personal and professional journey, granting me the opportunity to enrich my comprehension of conflict and humanitarian action. It will now empower me to effect more substantial change in the lives of those individuals affected by crises.

Come with an open and curious mind

International development is not an easy field to choose. There are many things currently happening in the areas of conflict and humanitarian action, and you need to be passionate about these topics. It’s a great choice if you want to make a positive change in the world and recognise that the field is always changing, and that you are adapting to these changes.

To anyone considering an international development course: go for it! It’s rich in culture, insight, and opportunity - whether you're starting out or changing direction. The practicum is particularly valuable, but it does require initiative. The course can open a lot of doors, but don't expect everything to be handed to you.

I learned so much outside the lectures as well - through assessments, essays, and independent work. You learn by doing, by wrestling with the data and theory.

It is good to come into this field of study with an open mind and a willingness to question. I was initially a bit more fixed in my ideas because I already had sector experience, but I grew the most by stepping back and rethinking.

This master’s was one of the best years of my life. It does require resources, time, and commitment, but if you can, prioritise it - you’ll grow academically and personally.