International Development Management (Taught)

Explore and assess how international development programmes, projects and policies are managed and organised across the government, private, and NGO sectors.

Throughout this course, you’ll analyse the ways in which organisations navigate the rapidly changing landscape of international development, with a focus on how and why certain development interventions are made.

You’ll explore key debates in the theory and practice of development management to improve your understanding of the practical challenges faced by institutions and professionals when designing and implementing change. This will give you the foundation to critically analyse these challenges and design improved interventions.

You’ll also learn about the management of development projects and programmes.

This degree benefits from a mixture of teaching from Bath's Department of Social & Policy Sciences and School of Management. This will allow you to assess contemporary international development challenges holistically, taking into consideration the social and business factors that influence policy-making.

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You have the choice of taking this specialist MSc in International Development Management course or one of five other course pathways:

• MSc International Development

• MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action

• MSc International Development with Economics

• MSc International Development with Education

• 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.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in international development, and business and management studies; as well as staff in the wider Department of Social & Policy Sciences and School of Management communities. 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:

• a critical understanding of the concepts and approaches used in international development management

• the interdisciplinary research and interpersonal skills needed to navigate the changing landscape of development practice, where new actors are emerging and traditional approaches to management need adapting

• practical skills in research, analysis and communication; and an understanding of how these can be applied when working in both the ‘Global North and South’

• the ability to analyse the complex interaction of social, economic, political or environmental factors in shaping problems and proposed solutions

• a rich experience of working with people from a wide range of disciplines, cultures and professional 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.