International Development

Entry requirements

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as politics, economics, anthropology, international relations, sociology, government studies, African, Latin American or South East Asian Studies or environmental studies.

We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects, especially where you have relevant professional experience in international development.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English Language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

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.

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:

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

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 propsects

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.

Fees and funding

View available funding opportunities