Gain the skills and understanding to tackle the global challenges of poverty, inequality, conflict, sustainability and social justice.
Learn what it means to be a global citizen and gain the skills and tools to make a difference in the world.
Whether you’re aiming to further your career as an international development professional or looking to start working in this field, our International Development master’s courses could be for you.
This degree will equip you with interdisciplinary research and interpersonal skills to constructively engage with the different social, political and cultural environments shaping countries’ development processes. It will also prepare you to explore these topics at a deeper, doctoral level by pursuing a relevant PhD.
Watch our webinar about this course
Different course pathways to specialise your skills
You have the choice of taking this interdisciplinary MSc International Development course, or one of three specialist pathways:
The selection of a distinct pathway allows you the flexibility to pursue areas that interest you and are relevant to your career aspirations. Each pathway is available as full-time or part-time study.
Gain real-world experience with a work-based practicum
As an alternative to writing a dissertation, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake an eight-week work-based practicum. This is your chance to gain practical experience to complement your studies.
During your practicum, you’ll work with an organisation involved in international development. You'll use the experiences you'll gain to write an academic report reflecting on a particular area of professional practice as part of your assessment.
Some previous students have completed their practicum with:
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- The Centre for Development Studies
- MicroSave Consulting
- EdUKaid
- The Washing Machine Project
Finding a practicum is your own responsibility. We can’t guarantee a practicum, but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you find suitable opportunities.
Some practicums are paid, others cover expenses, and some are unpaid. Please see the budgeting section of this page for more details.
Learn from experts in their field
You’ll learn from experts in international development and economics, as well as staff in the wider Department of Social & Policy Sciences community. Their passion, knowledge, experience and research shape their teaching to enhance your learning experience.
Gain important career skills
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll leave with:
- a critical understanding of the concepts and approaches used in international development and humanitarian action, as well as their strengths and limitations
- practical skills in research, analysis and communication and an understanding of how these can be applied when working in social, economic and environmental justice in both global North and global South
- the ability to analyse the complex interaction of social, economic, political and environmental factors in shaping problems and proposed solutions
- a rich experience of working with people from a wide range of disciplinary, professional and national backgrounds
Graduate prospects
This course provides an excellent background for those wishing to pursue careers in fields that aim to improve people’s lives. These include the international development, sustainability, humanitarian and peacebuilding sectors.
You will be qualified to work in a wide variety of roles, including social research, public policy, public information and campaigning.
Graduates from our suite of International Development master's courses have gone on to secure the following roles:
- Senior Program Officer, Hashoo Foundation
- Relief Support Worker, United Response
- Analyst, Start Fund Bangladesh
- Programme Assistant, The Advocacy Team
- Fundraising Assistant, Refugee Cafe
- Director of Programmes for North West Syria, Mercy Corps
- Programme Specialist, African World Heritage Fund
- Operations and Finance Officer, The Washing Machine Project
- Local Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation
Other graduates have chosen to work for themselves and set up their own charities, while others have gone on to complete doctoral studies.
Matthew Wilson graduated from MSc International Development at Bath in 2001. He's now Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations, the World Trade Organization and other international organisations. Read more about his career and his experience at Bath.
Social and environmental justice
Explore key contemporary research, theories and empirical examples of the social and economic dynamics and practices surrounding social and environmental justice. Study mainstream and alternative theories and approaches to social and environmental justice, such as: