International Development MA

University of Warwick

This programme will introduce you to the intellectual and political foundations of International Development, to the key events and themes which have shaped its evolution, and to the major issues that have (and have not) been addressed in the scholarship and practice of International Development. You will examine the institutions of International Development put in place through the Bretton Woods System, the various United Nations institutions, governmental and non-governmental policies and practices in the historical context of Empire and of contemporary globalisation. We believe that theoretical work and empirical work are both necessary, and complementary with one another. Practical problems stimulate theory construction, and theories inform the ways in which we handle substantive issues. Students will learn to write policy papers and develop skills to translate critical thinking into problem solving. We offer an exciting package of core and optional modules which include both theoretical and applied learning. This classroom-based work is reinforced and deepened by bringing our MA students into contact with the work of WICID which is housed in PAIS. MA students can join WICID events, engage with the centre’s Think Development Blog and learn about the work of its academic, policy and practitioner collaborators. Students can lead and participate in the Warwick Global Development Society and a student-led end of the year Development Conference, which offers additional opportunities to learn valuable professional skills and to apply learning throughout the year in shaping the content of the conference.

Politics and International Studies