Overview

This degree is at the cutting edge of development theory, policy and management. It provides students with the critical and analytical skills to enable them to operate effectively in international development environments. Covering macro and micro level perspectives, the course offers rich insights into the challenges of contemporary development theory, policy and management. The course is structured around the compulsory core modules of International Development Theory and International Development Policy, with flexibility built in through the optional course units chosen by students to meet their own objectives and interests.

The objectives of the course are to provide an integrated, cross-disciplinary framework for the postgraduate study of development. The unifying focus of the course is the analysis of strategies for overcoming poverty. Students will gain knowledge of different development paradigms and an awareness of their evolution. Students are encouraged to develop comparative perspectives (between different regions/countries, disciplinary approaches, schools of thought) and through individual study, seminars and written assignments to develop their knowledge and critical and analytical skills in this field.

Placement

You can choose to include an internship as part of your course, in which case you will study over 15 months rather than a year. To do this, you should initially register for the one-year programme and then transfer to the 15 month programme when you have secured a placement, any time up until the middle of Semester 2.

The internship / placement further enhances the development of professional experience and practical skills during your Masters programme, integrating practitioner community engagement with your academic studies.

Learning and assessment

We use a range of innovative approaches to teaching, learning and assessment to enable you to actively engage with the key concepts and syllabus, and to develop not only your academic knowledge and understanding but also your skills and experience for the worlds of policy, practice and employment.

Methods of assessment are varied, and include traditional assignments (essay-type tasks) alongside more competency-based assessment through tasks such as reports, policy briefs, case study analyses, oral and audio-visual presentations, and reflective notes.

Career prospects

Many BCID postgraduates have experience in development and related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors. This degree course provides the skills and knowledge required to become a development professional.