International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action MSc

Develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary development issues, and gain the specialist skills to work in peacebuilding, conflict analysis and humanitarian response.

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.

The course addresses the core global challenges of conflict and humanitarian crisis and explores a variety of tools and approaches for responding in these contexts. Rooted in real-world practical and policy challenges, the course is founded on Bath’s expertise in international development. It uses innovative learning approaches to promote in-depth investigation of cases and issues, while drawing links across global, regional, national and local scales.

The course offers you the opportunity of a placement-based research project, providing hands-on experience to complement classroom-based learning.

You will leave the course with:

• 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
• rich experience of working with people from a wide range of disciplinary, professional and national backgrounds

Learning and teaching

Our staff are all active in this field, research-led, and united in their commitment to finding better solutions to the world’s development problems.

We encourage diversity of intake, in experience, qualifications and interests, to stimulate the richness of experience and learning.

Graduate prospects

Our international development courses provide an excellent grounding for careers in international development, humanitarian action, and working for social, economic and environmental justice in both global North and global South. They provide the core skills required in a range of policy, communication, advocacy, research and programmatic roles.

Graduates from similar courses have found jobs with organisations such as:

• Economic Development Team Leader for the UK Department for International Development Palestinian programme in Jerusalem
• Outreach Channel Director at Marie Stopes International
• Humanitarian Policy Manager at Plan International
• Microfinance Partnerships Manager at One Acre Fund
• Regional Projects Manager at International Alert
• Private Sector Development Adviser at the UK Department for International Development
• Power Sector Policy Adviser at the UK Department for International Development
• Chair of the South West International Development Network and Executive Director of the Development Studies Association

Other graduates have chosen to work for themselves and set up their own charities, while some have stayed in academia to complete doctoral studies.

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.