Do you have a drive to work at the forefront of global development and social change? Deepen your expertise and engage with relevant and vital perspectives on our MA International Development.

Global society is facing a web of challenges, including poverty and inequality, the climate crisis, pandemics and conflicts. To date, progress towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals has been slow. Theres a growing need for organisations and people who can apply solution-oriented, critically-informed thinking to bring change at local and global levels.

On this course, youll explore critical perspectives to major traditions, theories and frameworks while developing work-ready skills. So youre well equipped to make a difference in a field of changing global agendas and dynamics.

Develop critical awareness through practice-based learning

This programme has a particular focus on the Global South, while recognising the interconnectedness of world development. Youll apply critical perspectives to enhance your understanding of topics like communication and development, entrepreneurship and emerging economies, corporate social responsibility and more.

At the same time, build a sector-specific skillset spanning programme management, fieldwork and research methods, through industry-led projects and an optional international field trip. Youll hear from experienced practitioners from organisations like UNICEF, Refugee Councils, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Community Based and Consultancy Organisations for deeper insights into current programmes and issues.

Loughborough London is part of the SHIFT innovation district and based near the UNICEF UK offices on East Bank. Its the ideal place to network and find partners for the collaborative elements of the course.

A career focused on positive change

This masters is ideal preparation if you have your sights set on development work with community-based groups, government and intergovernmental departments or global development agencies such as the UN. You could also apply it in multinational and national firms with corporate social responsibility agendas, consultancies, foundations, academia or think tanks.

Whatever area you want to focus on, youll be equipped to work as an empathetic practitioner in the movement towards social justice and social change.

Your future career

As an instrument of social change, international development is undergoing huge shifts. Development organisations, whether local, national or international, need specialists with broad perspectives and sharp professional skills to effect change responsibly, efficiently and sensitively.

Youll graduate ready to contribute to this urgent field in roles with community-based groups, government and intergovernmental departments, global development agencies, multinational and national firms, consultancies, foundations, academia or think tanks.