International Development with Economics

Explore global development by focusing on economic concepts, such as social identity, collective action, power relations, and psychological biases.

During this master’s you’ll address the contemporary challenges of global economic development.

You’ll adopt a multifaceted focus to analyse the real-world impacts of economic policy. This will allow you to see how the assumptions of economic theory can differ from lived reality, especially in impoverished communities.

This course is influenced by Bath’s longstanding engagement in international development and applied economic analysis. You’ll critically assess real-world case studies to draw links across global, regional, national and local scales.

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.