International Development

The MSc International Development provides a multidisciplinary social science-based analysis and understanding of international development.

Students undertaking this programme will:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of current issues in international development policy and practice.
• Study a critical in-depth analysis of specific aspects of international development relating to specific areas of interest.

We also encourage diversity of intake in terms of experience, qualifications and interests to stimulate the mutual experience and learning.

This programme has a limited intake of students per year, fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.

The excellence of the research undertaken within the Department of Social & Policy Sciences has been recognised most recently by the award of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. We were also ranked 2nd in the country in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

Careers

The Social & Policy Sciences department is committed to ensuring that postgraduate students acquire a range of subject-specific and generic skills during their training.

Our graduates generally go on to work in a wide variety of organisations, such as:

• Social research in universities and research institutes, government, business, voluntary organisations and international organisations.
• Public policy analysis at local, national and international levels.
• Public information and campaigning within organisations concerned with wellbeing, sustainability and social justice.

Qualifications and durations

• Full-time MSc (90 credits - 1 year)
• Full-time Postgraduate Diploma (60 credits - 9 months)
• Full-time Postgraduate Certificate (30 credits - 4 months)
• Part-time MSc (90 credits - 2+ years)
• Part-time Postgraduate Diploma (60 credits - 21 months)
• Part-time Postgraduate Certificate (30 credits - 16 months)

Programme structure

Core Units

• Foundations of international development
• Economics for international development
• Sociology & social anthropology of development
• Policy and politics of developing countries
• Critical skills for international development and policy research
• Academic research skills and dissertation preparation

Optional units

• Critical issues in social development
• Globalisation & economic insecurity: social policy challenges
• Globalisation 2: political economy of globalisation
• Management of development
• World politics: conflict, security & development
• Sustainable development: natural resources and sustainability
• Wellbeing & human development 2: ethics and public policy
• Wellbeing assessment in public policy and development practice

Students can also study one regional research specialism from South Asia, Africa and Latin Americaas part of an international development extended essay.

Learning and teaching

Our programmes are modular, consisting of self-contained units, taught and assessed on a semester basis. As you progress through each semester and successfully pass the unit assessments, you will receive credit for the units, thus providing you with a clear indication of your academic progress.

Teaching takes the form of lectures, classes and seminars. Lectures are quite formal, whereas classes and seminars involve interaction between the lecturer and a small number of students for study skills and discussion.

Methods of assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of coursework essays, class exercises, projects and oral presentations.

We also place strong emphasis on developing presentation and discussion/communication skills, which in many units is part of the assessed work.

Academic requirementsFirst or 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university. oran equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience.English Language requirementsCertificates must be dated to within two years of the start of the programme of study.IELTS 7.0 (with no less than 6.5 in each of the four components)PTE Academic of 69 with no less than 62 in any componentIf you wish to improve your English proficiency before commencing your studies, pre-sessional language training can be arranged through the Academic Skills Centre.ReferencesTwo references are required. At least one of these must be an academic reference. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.

Taught postgraduate funding

Scholarships & studentships

• Scholarships contribute towards the Tuition Fees.
• Studentships cover the cost of Tuition Fees and they can also include a Stipend (living expenses).

http://www.bath.ac.uk/hss/graduate-school/taught-programmes/funding/