International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action

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, African, Latin American or South East Asian Studies or environmental studies.

We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects 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

Develop an in-depth understanding and specialist skills in contemporary development issues, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and humanitarian response.

Throughout this course, you’ll analyse the core global challenges of conflict and humanitarian crises and explore a variety of tools and approaches to respond effectively to the challenges they bring.

This course is influenced by Bath’s longstanding engagement in conflict and humanitarian response. You’ll critically assess real-world case studies to draw links across global, regional, national and local scales.

Whether you are a graduate aiming to pursue a development or humanitarian career in conflict-affected regions, or a professional wishing to deepen your knowledge and critical thinking, this course is for you.

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You have the choice of taking this specialist MSc in International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action course pathway or one of three other course pathways:

• MSc International Development
• 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 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 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

Visit webside for funding options