Study international development abroad

International development degree programs examine the major issues facing developing and emerging nations around the globe. You’ll look at a wide range of issues including colonialism, gender, poverty, environment, health and economics, and consider what innovative solutions can be found to tackle development challenges all over the world.

A degree in international development is ideal if you dream of working with organizations in roles like fundraising, campaigning, community development and public affairs. It will give you the skills and knowledge you’ll need to make a difference to societies across the globe.

There are international development degree programs available all over the world, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Choosing to study abroad will give you a chance to broaden your horizons, improve your language skills and see how international development is approached in a different country.

International development degrees are offered at all levels, including foundation, diploma, bachelor’s and master’s. At undergraduate level, you can study international development as a BA or BSc over three or four years, depending on the university. The difference between the two is usually small, but a BSc program will usually include more technical and scientific modules.

A taught or research master’s in international development will be between one and two years of study, and you can choose between an MA, MSc and MRes. It’s also possible to study for a PhD, which can take up to six years to complete.

International development programs are often offered as joint honor degrees, which means they’re combined with another subject. For example, you can study international development with politics, economics, education or geography.

The program structure and content of each course will differ based on several factors including the university, level of study and type of degree you choose. However, here are some of the study areas and modules you can expect to find on an international development program:

• International relations
• International economic development
• International politics
• Social and cultural issues in emerging economies
• Globalization
• Academic skills and research methods
• Global environmental issues
• Global justice

As an international development graduate you will be in demand from a wide range of employers. Some of the roles graduates have gone on to include:

• Politician’s assistant
• Project manager
• Public affairs consultant
• Local government administrator
• International relations specialist
• Fundraiser
• Economic development officer
• International aid worker

Many graduates go on to work for charities or in government, but the transferable skills you’ll gain from your degree mean you don’t have to limit your search to careers related to international development.

Make use of any career services offered by the university you choose, as they’ll be able to help you work out what you want to do, and put you on the right path to get there.