International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability

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.

In your application, you will need to provide a maximum 500 word personal statement which should:

(a) outline why your background to date makes you a suitable applicant for the course, and

(b) demonstrate a clear motivation to study on the pathway you have applied for, and how the course may fit into your future plans.

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

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.

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You have the choice of taking this interdisciplinary MSc International Development course, or one of four specialist pathways:

• MSc International Development
• MSc International Development Management
• MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
• MSc International Development with Economics
• MSc International Development with Education

The selection of a specialist 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.

Switching pathways

Full-time students: If you choose one of the specialist pathways, you can switch to the general MSc International Development pathway after Year 1 Semester 1. If you choose the general MSc International Development pathway, you can switch to a specialist pathway in Year 1 Semester 2 if you choose that pathway’s core Semester 1 unit. You can not switch between specialist pathways.

Part-time students: You can choose to switch between specialist pathways, or either way between a specialist pathway and the general MSc International Development pathway, at the end of Year 1.

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

See our website for further information on fees for this course.