Overview

Development and humanitarian practice is a complex, rapidly evolving blend of issues and challenges in the 21st century. And we teach it as such.

Study the political context of an armed conflict or natural hazard and how this can influence humanitarian efforts and human-rights-based responses. You can look at which development approaches have increased the impacts of climate change and disasters – and explore how cultural differences affect outcomes. Or gain a practical understanding of designing aid programmes, factoring in long term development goals, humanitarian imperatives and adaptive working.

You’ll investigate issues such as international human rights practices. Humanitarianism. Refugee experience. You’ll consider gender, diversity and equality; discovering what it takes to create an inclusive civil society. You’ll learn about design in emergency contexts and housing after disasters.

Your studies link to humanitarian work, international development, or NGO operations. You’ll learn critical theory, and what that means for your practices and the people you’re there to support.

Careers

Past students are working at international development organisations like Save the Children or the United Nations. Some have started their own agencies or aid groups. Others are continuing their academic work, with PhDs in subjects like communication during Covid, food security, climate disasters or refugee wellbeing.

The broad scope and practical nature of the course will help you thrive in any development or emergency practice role. You could enhance your current career or look for work in:

NGOs - international and national,
human rights, forced migration and development,
United Nations agencies and organisations,
governmental and commercial organisations working in development.

Of course, your critical thinking, analysis and design skills will apply to work beyond these areas too.

Students can also exit with Pgdip/PgCert awards.