International Development is a subfield of social science focused on improving global wellbeing. It aims at finding sustainable and long-term solutions to major issues including poverty, malnutrition, water and sanitation, education, health care and human rights.

International development is an interdisciplinary program that examines the development of countries and societies from political, cultural, geographical and socio-economic perspectives. It is based on the premise that understanding this development will help governments, academia and international development agencies to make more informed plans for the future. 

In the field of International Development, students analyse domestic and international policies in order to find solutions and help private and public organisations in need. The goal is to improve their living standards by implementing projects focused on boosting local economies, allocating resources more efficiently and strengthening individuals and communities.

Studying an International Development program could open doors to an interesting but fast placed career as graduates will be equipped with technical skills that would help them better understand the theories behind various global issues.

Study levels:

Across different universities, International Development programs are available to study at the undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels. A bachelor’s degree can take three and four years to complete, depending on the institution, while a master’s program usually takes one and two years and for students who want to earn a doctoral degree in International Development, the period is over three to five years. These study programs include:

• Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies
• Bachelor of Business in International Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Public Health with emphasis on Global Health
• Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Languages
• Pre-bachelor Degree in Development and Globalisation
• Graduate Certificate in International and Global Studies
• Postgraduate Diploma in International Development
• Postgraduate Certificate in International Development
• Master Degree in International Development
• Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Development
• Master of Arts in Humanitarian Assistance and Crisis Management
• Master Degree in Public Health
• Master of Arts in International Affairs
• Master of Science in International Health
• Master of Science in Engaging Public Issues
• Master Degree in International Trade, Finance and Development
• Master Degree in Education, Development and International Cooperation
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Development
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Affairs
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Global Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Society, Development and Planning.

Specialisations:

Within the field of International Development, there are several focus areas that development professionals can choose to work in and these focus areas include:

• International Economics
• Global Sustainability
• Environmental Science
• Management
• Social Policy
• Global / Public Health
• Gender Development
• Education Development
• Culture and Society
• International Governance
• Human Rights
• Conflict and Disaster
• Communication and Development

Employability:

International Development offers a wide range of opportunities. From being employed by NGOs, foundations, consultancies, law firms and so on, graduates can go on to find jobs in areas such as research, policy development, diplomacy, public relations and advocacy and the list goes on.

Possible job titles within international development include:

• Activist
• Community Worker
• Foreign Correspondent
• Foreign Service Officer
• Health Policy Planner
• Government Administrator
• Human Rights Advocate
• Journalist
• Immigration Officer
• Labour Relations Specialist
• Lawyer
• Lobbyist
• Media Correspondent
• Mediator
• NGO Director
• Policy Researcher
• Politician
• Population Studies Analyst
• Public Affairs Consultant
• Public Policy Analyst
• Outreach Worker in Community Services
• Research Associate
• Economic Development Program Representative
• Business Developer