International Development (Taught)

International Development is an interdisciplinary field of research, policy and practice concerned with challenges of economic growth, inequality, justice, human freedom and global governance.

Join experts at Warwick's Politics and International Studies Department and Warwick Interdisciplinary Research Centre for International Development (WICID)Link opens in a new window and develop your critical thinking and research skills as well as learning how to translate these into practical solutions for pressing global challenges.

This programme will introduce you to the intellectual and political foundations of International Development, to the key events and themes which have shaped its evolution, and to the major issues that have (and have not) been addressed in the scholarship and practice of International Development. You will examine the institutions of International Development put in place through the Bretton Woods System, the various United Nations institutions, governmental and non-governmental policies and practices in the historical context of Empire and of contemporary globalisation.

We believe that theoretical work and empirical work are both necessary, and complementary with one another. Practical problems stimulate theory construction, and theories inform the ways in which we handle substantive issues. Students will learn to write policy papers and develop skills to translate critical thinking into problem solving.

We offer an exciting package of core and optional modules which include both theoretical and applied learning. This classroom-based work is reinforced and deepened by bringing our MA students into contact with the work of WICIDLink opens in a new window which is housed in PAIS. MA students can join WICID events, engage with the centre’s Think Development BlogLink opens in a new window and learn about the work of its academic, policy and practitioner collaborators.

Students can lead and participate in the Warwick Global Development SocietyLink opens in a new window and a student-led end of the year Development Conference, which offers additional opportunities to learn valuable professional skills and to apply learning throughout the year in shaping the content of the conference.

Double Degrees
Our Double Degree programmes enable you to combine the study of this MA programme in PAIS with a Master’s programme at any one of our partner universities:

• American University, Washington DC, USA

• University of Waterloo, Canada

• Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium

• Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

• University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany

• Monash University, Melbourne, Australia

• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

This information is applicable for 2026 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply.