COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Development and Humanitarianism MSc at Brunel University offers an in-depth exploration of global development and humanitarian action through a strong anthropological and social science lens. Compulsory modules include War and Humanitarian Assistance, which examines the social and economic impacts of contemporary conflict and post-war reconstruction, and Ethnographic Research, which equips students with anthropological methods to conduct fieldwork for their dissertation projects. The Dissertation module enables students to carry out independent, in-depth research based on their fieldwork experience. Global Development: Critical Perspectives provides a theoretical and historical understanding of global development, highlighting the contribution of social science research to policy and practice. Optional modules broaden the scope of study, covering topics such as Culture, Education and Learning, Ethnicity, Identity and Culture, Medical Anthropology, Migration, Citizenship and Identity, International Development Politics and Policy, and Theory and Practice of International Human Rights. Additional modules on sustainability and business ethics, including Sustainable Development Practice and Policies and Environment and Sustainability for Business, focus on applying practical tools and evidence-based decision-making to real-world challenges. Together, these modules prepare students for careers in NGOs, international organisations, government agencies, corporate social responsibility, consultancies, and policy or advocacy roles, equipping them with critical analytical, research, and practical skills to address complex global issues.