International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action

University of Bath
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Sociology

About this course

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.

Placement

As an alternative to writing a dissertation, you can gain real-world experience and complement your studies with a placement.

If you choose to do a placement, you’ll undertake an eight-week work-based project 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 worked with:

  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

  • The Centre for Development Studies

  • MicroSave Consulting

  • EdUKaid

  • The Washing Machine Project

    Finding a placement is your own responsibility. We can’t guarantee specific placements, but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you find suitable opportunities.

    Some placements are paid, others cover expenses, and some are unpaid. 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.

  • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 1 Year

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Bath

    Part-time

    Duration: 2 Years

    Qualification: MSc

    Location: Bath

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    3544 Data analysts
    2435 Professional/Chartered company secretaries
    3543 Project support officers
    4113 Officers of non-governmental organisations
    2434 Business and related research professionals
    4111 National government administrative occupations

    Course Details

    Qualification
    MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Bath
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Sociology