Humanitarianism and international development in the 21st century – shaping the world of tomorrow

We have witnessed remarkable achievements in international development worldwide, from declines in extreme poverty and sustained growth in low- and middle-income countries to significant milestones in health, education, and infrastructure.

However, the 21st century has also been marked by complex and interconnected global challenges, like worsening climate change, economic polarisation, and global health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have undone years of progress in poverty reduction, exacerbated existing inequalities, and now pose further and immediate threats to development gains.

Shaping the world of tomorrow, therefore, depends on timely and transformative action through effective and equitable public and social policy. Addressing these challenges requires collaborative efforts that transcend borders, grounded in robust, policy-relevant evidence to guide inclusive responses and informed decision-making.

As policymakers, practitioners, and researchers, we are increasingly called upon to design solutions to complex, interconnected problems, where resources are limited and the stakes are high. At the Department of Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath, we collaborate directly with local stakeholders, policymakers, and multilateral organisations to address urgent challenges in international development and help produce high-quality evidence through our research. Our courses are designed to equip the next generation of professionals with the core skills needed to address these pressing issues effectively.

We’ll explore these topics further in our upcoming webinar (more details below). If you are interested in building a career in humanitarianism and international development, you can learn more about our programmes and expertise here.

Webinar – Producing policy-relevant evidence to address global challenges

Join this webinar on 13 February, 12:30 – 13:30, delivered by University of Bath researchers

Dr Aurelie Charles, Prof James Copestake, Dr Virgi Sari and Dr Yanuar Nugroho

This conversation will bring together three economists from the University of Bath specialising in international development and an international development expert. They’ll discuss the relationship between evidence, public policy and development practice in tackling pressing global challenges – including pandemics, climate change, economic polarisation and reversal of the pre-Covid decline in absolute poverty.

The speakers will share examples from their own work, generating and applying empirical evidence relevant to these challenges. They’ll discuss innovative methodological approaches to policy relevant research and evaluation, and offer practical tips for making decisions when evidence is scarce.

Designed for a broad audience interested in these issues, the webinar aims to offer fresh perspectives on how evidence can guide us towards equitable and effective approaches to address complex challenges.

We anticipate a lively discussion, so whether you are working in humanitarianism, public sector, or other sectors, interested in joining the field of international development, or a sceptic – please join us!

Build your career in humanitarianism and international development

In an increasingly complex socio-political world, effective and sustainable responses to conflict and disaster seem to be increasingly harder to achieve. Through a master’s degree at the University of Bath, you can gain the concrete skills and tools to help make a difference in the world.

Our courses provide you with an excellent skillset to start your career in policy, sustainability, campaigning, or peacebuilding organisations. They are equally relevant if you’re already working in the field and looking to advance your career with a deeper level of specialist knowledge.

MSc International Development

Taught on our Bath campus either part- or full-time, this course will equip you with interdisciplinary research and interpersonal skills to constructively engage with the different social, political and cultural environments shaping countries’ development processes.

You can choose to complete the interdisciplinary MSc International Development, or specialise in one of five pathways:

MSc International Development with Conflict and Humanitarian Action
MSc International Development with Economics
MSc International Development with Education
MSc International Development Management
MSc International Development, Social Justice and Sustainability

On all pathways, you will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by conducting a work-based placement with a partner organisation instead of a traditional dissertation.

MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development

This part-time degree combines online learning with intensive residentials in Bath and Jordan, allowing you to both enhance your knowledge alongside other commitments and apply it to real-world scenarios.

You’ll focus on the practical tools and approaches used to respond to peacebuilding, development, human rights and humanitarian response challenges. Throughout the course, you’ll learn from active researchers with extensive experience working in the field, and be able to share your perspectives with a diverse, global group of fellow students, enabling you to build a strong professional network.

Find out more about our courses

Read the latest research news from our Centre for Development Studies