International Development King's College London

Overview

In our ever-changing, increasingly interconnected world, more people are needed to understand and help tackle complex global issues like extreme poverty, inequality, or climate crisis.

This MSc in International Development from King's College London combines interdisciplinary training in subjects including development theory, political economy, and social policy, with applied country and region-based case studies. Practical examples demonstrate different approaches and their contribution to national development in areas such as industrialisation, financial systems, regulation, technology, environment, and natural resource management. These case studies also help you appreciate the variations across advanced, emerging, and lower-income economies.

Careers

The field of international development is vast and diverse with opportunities in countries worldwide. It requires a multitalented workforce with specialists in a variety of disciplines, including finance, economics, health, education, public policy, engaging in non-governmental organisation work, and fundraising.  

Our International Development MSc equips you with a firm understanding of the history, evolution, and impact of the theory, strategies and tactics used to promote development. You’ll see how these are applied in practical case studies from the Global South.  

The general knowledge you gain can enhance any existing professional or subject-specific expertise, and you could use it to develop a more active role in international development than you currently have. You could pursue roles working within international organisations and standard-setting bodies like the UN, World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

As well as working for government or international inter-governmental organisations, many countries have national initiatives focused on development. The US Agency for International Development, Asian Development Bank, and African Development Bank are among the largest employers. There are also dozens of international nongovernmental organisations, including CARE, OXFAM, World Vision, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, and Red Cross.