Study international development abroad
An in-depth guide to studying international development as an international student.
International development degrees 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 program structure
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
Best universities to study international development
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International development study abroad programs
International development undergraduate programs
Bachelor's in international development
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Tourism: Sustainable Tourism and International Development - BSc University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons, Switzerland
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 3,100 CHF
- Start date
- September
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Community and International Development - BSc University of Vermont, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 41,280 USD
- Start date
- January, June, August
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International Development Studies - BA Portland State University, USA
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 23,709 USD
- Start date
- January, March, September
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International Development - BA (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 3 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 15,500 GBP
- Start date
- September
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International Development Studies - BA University of New Brunswick, Canada
- Program type
- Bachelor's
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,357 CAD
- Start date
- September
Pathway in international development
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International Relations and International Development - International Year One - UGP University of Sussex, UK
- Program type
- Undergraduate pathway
- Duration
- 1 year
- Tuition fees per year
- 17,200 GBP
- Start date
- January, September
International development graduate programs
Master's in international development
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International Development - by coursework - MSc RMIT University, Australia
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 30,720 AUD
- Start date
- February, July
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International Development - MSc University of Portsmouth, UK | Online
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 2 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 3,650 GBP
- Start date
- September, January
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International Development - MA Clark University, USA
- Program type
- Master's
- Duration
- 20 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 35,136 USD
- Start date
- January, September
Doctorate in international development
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International Development - PhD University of Southern Mississippi, USA
- Program type
- Doctorate
- Duration
- 4 years
- Tuition fees per year
- 10,770 USD
- Start date
- January, August
Certificate in international development
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International Development - PGCert Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 18 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 24,588 CAD
- Start date
- September
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International Development - PGCert Centennial College, Canada
- Program type
- Postgraduate certificate
- Duration
- 18 months
- Tuition fees per year
- 16,531 CAD
- Start date
- January, September
Future international development careers
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.
