Discover how King’s College London’s online MSc in International Development can prepare for diverse global careers in the development sector.
This guest post is by Professor Andy Sumner, Programme Leader for the online International Development MSc.
What is international development? At its heart, international development is the study of how societies can improve wellbeing—materially, socially, and politically—particularly in contexts of inequality between and within countries. It asks questions like: Why do some countries grow faster than others? Why do inequalities persist? What role should international cooperation play in shaping a more equitable and sustainable world?
At King’s College London, our online MSc in International Development approaches these questions through a critical and cross-disciplinary lens. The programme explores the structures and power dynamics that shape development, and it equips students with the analytical tools to engage with the field both academically and professionally.
Whether you’re working in government, NGOs, multilateral agencies, or the private sector—or planning a career change—this programme offers a rigorous grounding in contemporary debates and practical policy challenges.
Development Studies: A field that crosses boundaries
As you can see Development Studies is not a single-discipline field. It draws on economics, sociology, political science, anthropology, and geography to understand change. Our programme at King’s is designed to reflect that diversity.
You’ll explore the political economy of development, theories of change, the dynamics of inequality, and methods for research and analysis. The emphasis throughout is on understanding both the local and global dimensions of development, and on learning how to think critically about policy, practice, and evidence.
In today’s world, where global inequalities are interacting with climate change, migration, technological change, and shifting geopolitics, there is a growing demand for professionals who can navigate this complexity.
Whether you want to work on humanitarian issues, global health, climate justice, inclusive economic growth, or decolonising aid systems, the MSc provides the analytical and practical skills to engage with these issues meaningfully.
What jobs can international development programmes lead to?
Graduates from international development programmes enter a wide variety of careers. These can include:
- International organisations: such as the United Nations, World Bank, or regional development banks and increasingly the emerging South-South institutions, where roles might involve policy analysis, project design, or programme evaluation.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): both large international NGOs (e.g. Oxfam, Save the Children) and smaller, local or community-based organisations, working in areas such as education, livelihoods, or humanitarian response.
- Government and public policy: including ministries of foreign affairs, development cooperation agencies, or civil service roles focusing on aid, trade, or migration.
- Research and academia: in universities, think tanks, or consultancy firms, often involving policy research, impact evaluation, or data analysis.
- Private sector: particularly in corporate responsibility, sustainability, or impact investment roles.
- Social enterprise and entrepreneurship: creating or working with start-ups that aim to deliver socially beneficial outcomes.
The online MSc at King’s is particularly suitable for professionals already working in these sectors who want to deepen their expertise or gain a formal qualification, as well as those looking for a career transition into development-related work from other fields.
Flexible study, global cohort
One of the unique features of the King’s online MSc is that it can be completed part-time over two years, entirely online. This makes it ideal for those balancing work and study or living outside the UK. The programme is taught by an international faculty and brings together students from across the globe, creating a diverse and stimulating learning environment.
You’ll learn through self-study, live webinars, group discussions, and independent research. Topics range from foundational debates in development theory to applied courses. The programme culminates in an independent dissertation where you can explore a question or topic of your choice in depth and with a academic supervisor.
Why study the International Development MSc
If you are interested in making sense of the major challenges facing our world—and in doing work that has a real-world impact—then studying international development might be for you. The field is diverse, evolving, and deeply relevant. And the MSc International Development (Online) at King’s offers a globally recognised qualification, flexible learning, and strong career pathways.
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