University of Kent

International development is an exciting field of study at the forefront of international affairs exploring questions of poverty, inequality, social orders and global justice. The MA in International Development is a unique inter-disciplinary program taught by academics, practitioners and policy-makers to understand the multifaceted political, economic and legal processes that shape development. BSIS is an attractive home for development studies not just because of its experience and expertise in international studies, but also because of its location in Brussels, the site of various development institutions and agencies at the core of the field.

The MA in International Development seeks to contribute to a critical understanding of contemporary issues in development and provides practical tools for a future engagement. It considers theoretical, practical and ethical issues by interrogating development discourses, objectives and effects, and by seeking to understand forms of inclusion/exclusion and intervention in societies. Some issues covered are public-private partnerships, social entrepreneurship, trade and privatization, informal economies and finance, and technological initiatives. The MA in International Development is offered jointly by the Department of Politics and International Relations, the Kent Law School and the Department of Economics to provide students with an inter-disciplinary approach to development and to allow them to specialize in their field of interest, such as development economics, development and migration, development and conflict, or human rights. Students can choose between an economic stream and a politico-legal stream, complemented by a wealth of elective modules from various departments.

BSIS attracts an exceptionally diverse and active student body that shares an enthusiasm for engagement in global affairs. Our students come from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas; many have spent extended periods abroad and/or worked for development institutions, a few have just finished their undergraduate studies. An important forum is the International Development Group, which meets regularly to discuss personal experiences, debate issues in development, invite guest speakers, attend conferences and workshops, and also to organize conferences. After their studies at BSIS, our students engage in careers in international affairs, including international organizations, non-governmental organizations and international business across the globe, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

The development studies program is suitable for students seeking to understand the field of international development as well as for practitioners who have already substantive experience. It provides conceptual tools and practical skills for a variety of careers in international affairs.