Sustainable Development MSc

Program Overview

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Overview

This new programme is designed to develop leaders with a deep understanding of sustainable development ideas, institutions, policies and networks - and the necessary critical thinking skills to inform policy and create long term impact.

It is designed and delivered by a team with a cutting-edge research and policy advisory track record, who are passionate about sustainable development.

Choosing this programme means joining the

Division of Peace Studies and International Development

at the University of Bradford - the largest university centre of its kind in the world.

Upon graduation you’ll be part of a worldwide network of alumni, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in international organisations.

The programme offers excellent opportunities for applied policy research and work on real world issues, and developing team-working and leadership skills through curricular and extra-curricular activities in a vibrant division.

Program Outline

What you will study

All module information is for 2022 entry, and is subject to change.

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First year

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Core

Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development

Policy Analysis for Governance and Development

Sustainable Cities

Dissertation

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Option

African Politics and Security Dynamics

Economic Growth and Development

Security and Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas

Theories and Practices in Conflict Resolution

Issues in Development Theory

University Semester 1 Elective

Social-Ecological Systems and Crises

Natural Resource Governance

Gender, Conflict and Development

Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding

Africa Study Visit

Assessing Development Practices Needs and Outcomes

Environment, Trafficking and Crime: Transnational Issues and International Governance

Finance for Development

University Semester 2 Elective

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Learning and assessment

In addition to lectures, seminars and classroom and virtual learning tool-based learning, there will be small group activities, both assessed and unassessed (formative), which give you the opportunity to develop and reinforce collaborative learning skills.

The programme is intended to:

develop your knowledge and comprehensive understanding of concepts, theories and frameworks of sustainable development and their application in policy and practice

develop your skills to analyse, synthesise and critique current and emerging research and practice and critically appraise evidence using insights at the forefront of the discipline and practice

advance your knowledge and understanding of skills and techniques to develop innovative ideas and originality in the application of knowledge in relation to sustainable development policy and practice for your own research and advanced scholarship

develop your skills to formulate and independently investigate a complex issue related to sustainable development by developing appropriate research questions and critically evaluating evidence to answer such questions and communicating your findings at an advanced level

develop your autonomous learning skills for lifelong learning to become even better at being an independent learner and critical and creative thinker

further develop your skills in communicating complex ideas and issues to different groups of stakeholders

equip you with the knowledge and skills to become a reflective and critical practitioner and work as an effective team member in culturally diverse groups and teams

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Official programme specification

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Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the

Careers

website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

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Career prospects

This programme is designed to boost career opportunities for those seeking to work in and develop future leaders of local, national, and international organisations and in corporate sector in relation to corporate social responsibility.  The programme develops a wide range of skills and deeper understanding of sustainable development issues which can help create an edge for the graduates to apply their knowledge and policy analysis skills in a variety of settings.