Course overview

Study development, sustainability and disaster management through theory and practice.

We aim to build skills to design and evaluate projects, preparing you for roles across NGOs, governments and international organisations.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Ranked 9th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Ranked 4th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2025

Why you should study this course

Industry-informed teaching: the course is shaped by input from an industry advisory board, with professional and sector needs embedded throughout the modules.
Practical, applied learning: case studies, simulations and assessments are designed to reflect tasks commonly undertaken in international development roles.

What you'll study

Study international development, sustainability, disaster management, and themes like conflict, peace and decolonisation.

Gain skills in project planning, evaluation and community engagement, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through case studies and simulations, learn to deliver initiatives that build resilience, reduce inequality and drive positive change.

Courses

International Development and Sustainable Practice MSc (EEST130)

Dissecting Development - 15 credits

Explore development studies from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Examine how ideas of development have been historically constructed and understood in different contexts, and engage with key theories such as modernisation, dependency, ‘just’ development, and post- and neo-colonialism. This will help you understand the root causes and challenges of under-development. Evaluate the effectiveness of development strategies and policies, while exploring major issues such as economic growth, poverty alleviation, social justice, gender equality, environmental sustainability, education and governance. A key focus will be how development discourse shapes global practices through policies, funding, and societal values and how these discourses influence relationships between governments, communities and organisations.

Compulsory

Development in practice - 15 credits

Explore how academic thinking and professional practice in development connect and inform one another. Examine the role of NGOs, INGOs, and the voluntary sector in putting humanitarian principles into action and reflect on how their approaches align with best practice, codes of conduct and operational standards. Assess how development strategies hold up under real-world pressures such as conflict, disaster, or political instability. To address power imbalances, you will be introduced to participatory methods like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) and consider the ethical challenges that come with them. By the end of this module, you should have gained the knowledge and practical insights needed to critically evaluate development practices and prepare for a role in international development.

Compulsory

Sustainable Development - 15 credits

Build a strong foundation in sustainability, exploring both its theoretical roots and practical applications. Examine how sustainability shapes decision-making for governments, businesses, and communities, with particular focus on the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding global progress. Use case studies to understand the causes and impacts of sustainability challenges such as ecosystem damage, environmental degradation, unplanned urbanisation, population growth, and resource depletion. Consider how societies can meet growing needs without compromising equality, diversity, and inclusion. Work with established frameworks, including Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA), circular economy principles, and the triple bottom line, while also exploring alternative approaches for building sustainable, fair practices and long-term solutions.

Compulsory

Conflict and Resistance, Peace and Decolonisation - 15 credits

Explore the complexities of war, conflict, peace, and resistance and examine how they shape societies and national development. Using historical and contemporary case studies, analyse the root causes of conflict, strategies of resistance, and the legacies of colonialism and decolonisation. Engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to understanding and managing these challenges. Key themes include colonial legacies, social justice and injustice, human rights and the role of international actors in peacebuilding. You will also consider how decolonised nations are working towards more equitable and just societies. This module will introduce strategies such as transitional justice, truth and reconciliation commissions, and reparations, evaluating their role in supporting societies through difficult transitions. Assess the challenges of operating in conflict zones and explore alternative approaches to building resilience, addressing injustice and fostering long-term sustainability in affected communities.

Compulsory

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning - 15 credits

Explore how good governance can support effective and sustainable disaster interventions and examine the connections between international policy and local projects. Learning content analyses both traditional and emerging approaches to disaster response, with a focus on evaluating opportunities and best practice in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). Through case studies from disaster response and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), develop an understanding of why an integrated approach is essential. This module highlights how sharing MEAL activities and results across disaster phases, projects, programmes and agencies can strengthen learning, improve the impact of interventions, and build resilience and sustainability.

Compulsory

Disaster Risk Reduction - 15 credits

Explore the connections between disaster risk, resilience, adaptation, development, and sustainability through historical and current global events, strategies, and policies. Examine how these concepts shape international development, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency work. You will critically evaluate the goals and activities of NGOs, multilateral agencies, and institutions at local, national and global levels. By the end of this module, you should understand how sustainability, development, DRR, resilience and humanitarian work are closely linked.

Compulsory

Recovery and Reconstruction - 15 credits

Get an in-depth look at the theories, practices, and challenges of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Through UK and international case studies, explore standards and minimum requirements in recovery work, as well as the complexities of moving from recovery into long-term development. This module also examines best practices and lessons learned from past reconstruction efforts, while highlighting how recovery and reconstruction can be linked to sustainability goals and disaster risk reduction principles.

Compulsory

Community Resilience and Preparedness - 15 credits

Examine the concept of community resilience in emergency and disaster management, highlighting its varied interpretations in research and practice. Develop a strong understanding of resilience and its links to community preparedness and recovery efforts. Through UK and international case studies, you will evaluate what influences resilience and explore the roles of professionals and communities in these processes. This module also critically examines methods for engaging community groups and the role of public service providers and NGOs. Sustainable approaches and ways to measure the effectiveness of resilience interventions are key areas of focus.

Compulsory

Disaster Emergency Management - Research Project - 50 credits

Take the opportunity to design and carry out an independent research project in a specialist area of your discipline (such as crowded places, public safety, disaster management, emergency management, resilience, international development or sustainability). Working under the guidance of an experienced academic supervisor, you will have the opportunity to develop skills in problem identification, literature review, research design, and methodology. This module also builds your ability to plan, manage and evaluate a project within an academic, industrial or commercial context. You will learn how to address ethical and risk considerations, apply appropriate research methods (technical, scientific or social science), manage data collection and analysis and present your findings clearly through professional report writing.

Compulsory

Leading Diverse Workforces - 10 credits

Understand how to lead and develop people in a diverse and inclusive way. Explore topics such as leadership theories, culture, wellbeing, and strategies for improving equality, diversity and inclusion in various organisational settings. You will also have the opportunity to apply your learning by developing strategic priorities for leadership and inclusivity within organisations.

Compulsory

International Development and Sustainable Practice PGDip ( EEST131)

Dissecting Development - 15 credits

Explore development studies from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Examine how ideas of development have been historically constructed and understood in different contexts, and engage with key theories such as modernisation, dependency, ‘just’ development, and post- and neo-colonialism. This will help you understand the root causes and challenges of under-development. Evaluate the effectiveness of development strategies and policies, while exploring major issues such as economic growth, poverty alleviation, social justice, gender equality, environmental sustainability, education and governance. A key focus will be how development discourse shapes global practices through policies, funding, and societal values and how these discourses influence relationships between governments, communities and organisations.

Compulsory

Development in practice - 15 credits

Explore how academic thinking and professional practice in development connect and inform one another. Examine the role of NGOs, INGOs, and the voluntary sector in putting humanitarian principles into action and reflect on how their approaches align with best practice, codes of conduct and operational standards. Assess how development strategies hold up under real-world pressures such as conflict, disaster, or political instability. To address power imbalances, you will be introduced to participatory methods like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) and consider the ethical challenges that come with them. By the end of this module, you should have gained the knowledge and practical insights needed to critically evaluate development practices and prepare for a role in international development.

Compulsory

Sustainable Development - 15 credits

Build a strong foundation in sustainability, exploring both its theoretical roots and practical applications. Examine how sustainability shapes decision-making for governments, businesses, and communities, with particular focus on the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding global progress. Use case studies to understand the causes and impacts of sustainability challenges such as ecosystem damage, environmental degradation, unplanned urbanisation, population growth, and resource depletion. Consider how societies can meet growing needs without compromising equality, diversity, and inclusion. Work with established frameworks, including Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA), circular economy principles, and the triple bottom line, while also exploring alternative approaches for building sustainable, fair practices and long-term solutions.

Compulsory

Conflict and Resistance, Peace and Decolonisation - 15 credits

Explore the complexities of war, conflict, peace, and resistance and examine how they shape societies and national development. Using historical and contemporary case studies, analyse the root causes of conflict, strategies of resistance, and the legacies of colonialism and decolonisation. Engage with both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to understanding and managing these challenges. Key themes include colonial legacies, social justice and injustice, human rights and the role of international actors in peacebuilding. You will also consider how decolonised nations are working towards more equitable and just societies. This module will introduce strategies such as transitional justice, truth and reconciliation commissions, and reparations, evaluating their role in supporting societies through difficult transitions. Assess the challenges of operating in conflict zones and explore alternative approaches to building resilience, addressing injustice and fostering long-term sustainability in affected communities.

Compulsory

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning - 15 credits

Explore how good governance can support effective and sustainable disaster interventions and examine the connections between international policy and local projects. Learning content analyses both traditional and emerging approaches to disaster response, with a focus on evaluating opportunities and best practice in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL). Through case studies from disaster response and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), develop an understanding of why an integrated approach is essential. This module highlights how sharing MEAL activities and results across disaster phases, projects, programmes and agencies can strengthen learning, improve the impact of interventions, and build resilience and sustainability.

Compulsory

Disaster Risk Reduction - 15 credits

Explore the connections between disaster risk, resilience, adaptation, development, and sustainability through historical and current global events, strategies, and policies. Examine how these concepts shape international development, disaster risk reduction (DRR) and emergency work. You will critically evaluate the goals and activities of NGOs, multilateral agencies, and institutions at local, national and global levels. By the end of this module, you should understand how sustainability, development, DRR, resilience and humanitarian work are closely linked.

Compulsory

Recovery and Reconstruction - 15 credits

Get an in-depth look at the theories, practices, and challenges of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Through UK and international case studies, explore standards and minimum requirements in recovery work, as well as the complexities of moving from recovery into long-term development. This module also examines best practices and lessons learned from past reconstruction efforts, while highlighting how recovery and reconstruction can be linked to sustainability goals and disaster risk reduction principles.

Compulsory

Community Resilience and Preparedness - 15 credits

Examine the concept of community resilience in emergency and disaster management, highlighting its varied interpretations in research and practice. Develop a strong understanding of resilience and its links to community preparedness and recovery efforts. Through UK and international case studies, you will evaluate what influences resilience and explore the roles of professionals and communities in these processes. This module also critically examines methods for engaging community groups and the role of public service providers and NGOs. Sustainable approaches and ways to measure the effectiveness of resilience interventions are key areas of focus.

Compulsory

International Development and Sustainable Practice PGCert (EEST132)

Dissecting Development - 15 credits

Explore development studies from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Examine how ideas of development have been historically constructed and understood in different contexts, and engage with key theories such as modernisation, dependency, ‘just’ development, and post- and neo-colonialism. This will help you understand the root causes and challenges of under-development. Evaluate the effectiveness of development strategies and policies, while exploring major issues such as economic growth, poverty alleviation, social justice, gender equality, environmental sustainability, education and governance. A key focus will be how development discourse shapes global practices through policies, funding, and societal values and how these discourses influence relationships between governments, communities and organisations.

Compulsory

Development in practice - 15 credits

Explore how academic thinking and professional practice in development connect and inform one another. Examine the role of NGOs, INGOs, and the voluntary sector in putting humanitarian principles into action and reflect on how their approaches align with best practice, codes of conduct and operational standards. Assess how development strategies hold up under real-world pressures such as conflict, disaster, or political instability. To address power imbalances, you will be introduced to participatory methods like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Action Research (PAR) and consider the ethical challenges that come with them. By the end of this module, you should have gained the knowledge and practical insights needed to critically evaluate development practices and prepare for a role in international development.

Compulsory

Sustainable Development - 15 credits

Build a strong foundation in sustainability, exploring both its theoretical roots and practical applications. Examine how sustainability shapes decision-making for governments, businesses, and communities, with particular focus on the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding global progress. Use case studies to understand the causes and impacts of sustainability challenges such as ecosystem damage, environmental degradation, unplanned urbanisation, population growth, and resource depletion. Consider how societies can meet growing needs without compromising equality, diversity, and inclusion. Work with established frameworks, including Environmental Impact Analysis (EIA), circular economy principles, and the triple bottom line, while also exploring alternative approaches for building sustainable, fair practices and long-term solutions.

Compulsory

Community Resilience and Preparedness - 15 credits

Examine the concept of community resilience in emergency and disaster management, highlighting its varied interpretations in research and practice. Develop a strong understanding of resilience and its links to community preparedness and recovery efforts. Through UK and international case studies, you will evaluate what influences resilience and explore the roles of professionals and communities in these processes. This module also critically examines methods for engaging community groups and the role of public service providers and NGOs. Sustainable approaches and ways to measure the effectiveness of resilience interventions are key areas of focus.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
practical laboratory sessions.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time postgraduate student, you will study modules totalling 180 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours, and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average you will have between 8 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the opportunity to attend optional sessions including time with a Success Coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which could vary depending on the module.

Assessment methods may include:

presentations
group projects
live simulations
individual application development work
portfolios
written documentation.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Honours degree 2:2 or above from any discipline or appropriate work experience in the International Development and Sustainability sector together with relevant professional qualifications.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country-specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements:

Honours degree 2:2 or above from any discipline or appropriate work experience in International Development and Sustainability.

English language requirements

This course requires IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC per year with EU Support Bursary 2025/26 fees TBC per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Students in front of a massive screen wall

Sim Centre

This is used in the Conflict and Resistance, Peace and Decolonisation module.

It is specifically used to show the challenges of operating in conflict zones.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

Lanchester Library

The library is usually open 24/7, in term-time. It’s where you can access your course’s specialist Academic Liaison Librarian. It’s also home to specialist teams which can support you with your academic writing and maths and statistics questions.

Two people working together with a laptop in front of them

Careers and employability

Get one-on-one career and employability guidance lasting up to 18 months from the end of your course. We’ll help you find placements and graduate roles, offer CV and application checks, mentoring, skills workshops, employer events and more.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates could apply for the following roles after completing the International Development and Sustainable Practice MSc:

international development officer / advisor
sustainability consultant / sustainability officer
project manager (NGO, UN, Government, or Charity sector)
disaster risk reduction specialist
humanitarian aid worker
community development practitioner
policy and advocacy officer
monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialist
programme coordinator (International NGOs / UN Agencies)
resilience and reconstruction advisor.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

Graduates may find roles with organisations such as UNICEF, UNDP, UNEP, WWF, Médecins Sans Frontières, Red Cross, national governments, local authorities and international NGOs.