International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability MSc

University of Bath

Learn about global development from a heterodox economics perspective, and gain the skills to work in economic and development policy and practice.

This course addresses the contemporary challenges of global development, utilising core economic concepts, theories and methods. Rooted in real-world practical and policy challenges, the course is founded on Bath’s longstanding engagement in international development and applied economic analysis. It uses innovative learning approaches to promote in-depth investigation of cases and issues, drawing links across global, regional, national and local scales. We offer you the opportunity of a placement-based research project, providing hands-on experience to complement campus-based learning.

The course is ideal if you’re a recent graduate who wants to pursue a career in international development as an economic analyst. It is also suitable if you’re an established professional wishing to deepen your knowledge and critical understanding of international development from an economics and broader social science perspective.

You will leave the course with:

• in-depth and interdisciplinary understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin contemporary global development issues
• a critical understanding of economic theory and development policy and practice, including from the perspective of heterodox and social economics
• practical skills in research, policy analysis and communications, and their application in the field of international 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 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’s Department for International Development
• Power Sector Policy Adviser at the UK’s 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.