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International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability MSc

2 years part-time, starting in September 2025

Further your understanding of the political, economic and social forces that promote or prevent social and environmental justice around the world.

During this specialist master’s, you’ll enhance your knowledge and understanding of international development, social justice, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

You’ll critically examine the many political, economic and social factors that lead to inequality across the planet. These include people’s struggles for wellbeing and sustainability, and the visions that inspire them; and the roles of state, society and market factors.

Throughout the course, you will look beyond the geographical binaries of ‘Global North and South’. This will allow you to examine similarities and differences across regions, and compare the factors that influence their development.

Whether you are a graduate aiming to make a difference in the world, or a professional wishing to deepen your knowledge and critical thinking, this course is for you.

Watch our webinar about MSc International Development and its pathways

Different course pathways to specialise your skills

You have the choice of taking this specialist MSc in International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability course pathway or one of five other course pathways:

The selection of a specialist pathway allows you the flexibility to pursue areas that interest you and are relevant to your career aspirations. Each pathway is available as full-time or part-time study.

Switching pathways

Full-time students: If you choose one of the specialist pathways, you can switch to the general MSc International Development pathway after Year 1 Semester 1. If you choose the general MSc International Development pathway, you can switch to a specialist pathway in Year 1 Semester 2 if you choose that pathway’s core Semester 1 unit. You can not switch between specialist pathways.

Part-time students: You can choose to switch between specialist pathways, or either way between a specialist pathway and the general MSc International Development pathway, at the end of Year 1.

Learn from experts in their field

You’ll learn from experts in international development, conflict resolution and humanitarianism, as well as staff in the wider Department of Social & Policy Sciences community. 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:

  • 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.

'The knowledge and skills gained from the programme have profoundly impacted my approach to work. I now consider social and environmental justice aspects when designing projects, ensuring a holistic and collaborative approach.’

Mantsebeng Suzan Maepe graduated from MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability In 2023.

Read more about how the course has helped her progress in her career.

2025/26 Academic Year


Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.


Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Doing research for international development

    15 credits

  • History and theory of international development

    15 credits

Semester 2

You'll choose one optional unit.

Compulsory units

  • Doing research for international development

    Continued

Optional units

  • Education and sustainable development

    10 credits

  • Global political economy

    10 credits

  • Humanitarianism

    10 credits

  • Management of international development

    10 credits

Year 2

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Social and environmental justice

    10 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • The politics and practice of sustainability

    10 credits

Summer

You’ll complete a dissertation or placement.

Optional units

  • Dissertation

    30 credits

  • Placement

    30 credits

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. Please see the budgeting section of this page for more details.

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.


Learning

  • Research project
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Oral presentation
  • Report
  • Visual or recorded presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Students studying the full-time variant of this course are expected to spend approximately 35-40 hours per week studying, with around 10 hours of this being structured classes.

Part-time students typically study for approximately 50% of the full-time equivalent, across one or two units each semester.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups. Structured classes will take place in-person on our Bath campus.

Assessment breakdown

You’ll experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will be made up of coursework, including essays, reports, presentations, and group-based assessments, and a dissertation/final project.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications


As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘International Development looks at how we can develop a better world and how global, national and local changes can be brought together to achieve this.’
Oliver Walton Reader in International Development

Entry requirements


You will generally have a first degree in social science, although students with other backgrounds are also encouraged to apply. The course will suit those who are new to the field, and people already working in it who wish to gain a higher qualification or take time out to reflect on their experience.

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as politics, economics, anthropology, international relations, African, Latin American or South East Asian Studies or environmental studies.

We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects where you have relevant professional experience in international development.

In your application, you will need to provide a maximum 500 word personal statement which should:

(a) outline why your background to date makes you a suitable applicant for the course, and

(b) demonstrate a clear motivation to study on the pathway you have applied for, and how the course may fit into your future plans.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English Language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability MSc part-time


Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

When doing a placement, you (or your placement provider) are responsible for your travel, accommodation and living costs. You should consider the financial implications if you choose to do an unpaid or overseas placement.

The University of Bath’s Centre for Development Studies offers a set of stipends to support students via its Bath Research into International Development (BRID) fund. You’ll be able to apply for this support once you join the course.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

If you're a student from a Commonwealth country, then you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Shared Scholarships Scheme (CSSS) Award. This does not apply to the part-time version of this course.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information


  • Course title
    International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Course code
    TDUSP-SJ02
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator

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