Further your understanding of the political, economic and social forces that promote or prevent social and environmental justice around the world.
During this specialist master’s, you’ll enhance your knowledge and understanding of international development, social justice, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
You’ll critically examine the many political, economic and social factors that lead to inequality across the planet. These include people’s struggles for wellbeing and sustainability, and the visions that inspire them; and the roles of state, society and market factors.
Throughout the course, you will look beyond the geographical binaries of ‘Global North and South’. This will allow you to examine similarities and differences across regions, and compare the factors that influence their development.
Whether you are a graduate aiming to make a difference in the world, or a professional wishing to deepen your knowledge and critical thinking, this course is for you.
Watch our webinar about MSc International Development and its pathways
Different course pathways to specialise your skills
You have the choice of taking this specialist MSc in International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability course pathway or one of three other course 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 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, conflict resolution and humanitarianism, 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:
- an in-depth and interdisciplinary understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin contemporary humanitarian action and conflict response
- a critical understanding of humanitarian, peacebuilding and development policy and practice
- practical skills in research, analysis and communication and an understanding of how these can be applied to the fields of humanitarianism, conflict and development
- 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: