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International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action at University of Bath - UCAS

University of Bath

Degree level: Postgraduate

International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action (Taught)

Course options

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Develop an in-depth understanding and specialist skills in contemporary development issues, peacebuilding, conflict analysis, and humanitarian response. Throughout this course, you’ll analyse the core global challenges of conflict and humanitarian crises and explore a variety of tools and approaches to respond effectively to the challenges they bring. This course is influenced by Bath’s longstanding engagement in conflict and humanitarian response. You’ll critically assess real-world case studies to draw links across global, regional, national and local scales. Whether you are a graduate aiming to pursue a development or humanitarian career in conflict-affected regions, or a professional wishing to deepen your knowledge and critical thinking, this course is for you. 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.

Assessment method

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Presentations
  • Report
  • Visual or recorded presentation
You are expected to spend approximately 35-40 hours per week studying, with around 10 hours of this being structured classes. 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.


Entry requirements

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. 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


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees can be found on our web pages and are liable to increase annually. UK and Islands fees are regulated by the UK government and are subject to parliamentary approval. For all other fees, you should budget for an increase of up to 8% for every further year of study. For information on tuition fees visit our web pages: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/tuition-fees/ 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.

Sponsorship information

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

International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action at University of Bath - UCAS