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.

Watch our webinar about MSc International Development and its pathways

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 five other course pathways:

• MSc International Development
• MSc International Development with Economics
• MSc International Development with Education
• MSc International Development Management
• MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability

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 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 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.

'The knowledge and skills gained from the programme have profoundly impacted my approach to work. I now consider social and environmental justice aspects when designing projects, ensuring a holistic and collaborative approach.’

Mantsebeng Suzan Maepe graduated from MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability In 2023.

Read more about how the course has helped her progress in her career.

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
• TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Many of our graduates have gone on to work in a range of English language educator roles within schools, colleges and universities; or as academic language tutors, teacher trainers, or educational leaders. Lots of these roles are based in different countries across the world. Recent graduates have gone on to education roles within organisations such as: Beijing Normal University British Council Dulwich College Kaplan International New Oriental Education & Technology Group University of International Business and Economics, Beijing (UIBE) Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Others have chosen to progress to doctoral study.