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.

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.

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You have the choice of taking this interdisciplinary MSc International Development course, or one of five 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.

• MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
• MSc International Development with Economics
• MSc International Development with Education
• MSc International Development Management
• MSc International Development, Social justice and Sustainability

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

Gain real-world experience with a placement

As an alternative to writing a dissertation, you can gain real-world experience and complement your studies with a placement.

If you choose to do a placement, you’ll undertake an eight-week work-based project 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 worked with:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• The Centre for Development Studies
• MicroSave Consulting
• EdUKaid
• The Washing Machine Project

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 Programme 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.

Get a taste of our courses before you apply

Both the wider University and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences organise a variety of course webinars and virtual open days throughout the year. Come along and speak to our academics, current students and alumni to find out which course is right for you.

Sign up for our next Postgraduate Virtual Open Day

Register for a course-specific webinar

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath.

Find out more and apply