What is International Development? Student Guide
International Development is the study of how societies grow, change, and overcome challenges to improve quality of life around the world. It explores topics like poverty, health, education, gender equality, human rights, and sustainable growth — especially in low- and middle-income countries.
At its core, International Development asks how we can build a more equitable and sustainable global future. It’s an interdisciplinary subject that combines economics, politics, sociology, and environmental science to find long-term, ethical solutions to global inequality and injustice.
In this article, we’ll explore why International Development matters, what you’ll study, real-world applications, influential figures, career paths, and how you can begin your journey with ǶƵ.
Why Study International Development?
International Development is ideal for students passionate about global issues, social justice, and making a meaningful impact.
- It tackles the world’s biggest challenges
From clean water to education and climate action, development professionals work on the front lines of the global effort to reduce inequality and build resilience. - It’s interdisciplinary and globally minded
You’ll draw on economics, politics, health, and the environment — learning to think critically about complex systems and how they interact. - It equips you to work across cultures and borders
You'll gain skills in communication, problem-solving, and cultural understanding — vital in international organisations and NGOs. - It fosters empathy and ethical thinking
International Development asks not only what works, but what’s right — helping you think deeply about justice, fairness, and responsibility on a global scale.
Key Concepts in International Development
1. Poverty and Inequality
Study the causes and consequences of poverty. You'll explore how wealth is distributed globally, how inequality affects access to opportunity, and what interventions help reduce economic and social disparities.
2. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Learn about the United Nations’ 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. You'll examine how countries and organisations measure and work toward progress.
3. Global Health and Education
Explore access to healthcare, disease prevention, and education systems in developing regions. You'll study how public health and education are essential to long-term development.
4. Governance, Conflict, and Corruption
Examine how government institutions and political systems affect development outcomes. You'll learn how conflict and corruption can undermine progress — and how peacebuilding and good governance can reverse it.
5. Climate Change and Environmental Justice
Understand how environmental degradation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. You'll study topics like resource access, displacement, and how to balance development with environmental protection.
6. Aid, Trade, and Economic Development
Investigate the role of foreign aid, global trade, microfinance, and economic policy. You'll consider different models of development and their impacts on national growth and local empowerment.
Real-World Applications of International Development
NGO and Humanitarian Work
International Development graduates often work in NGOs providing aid, advocacy, or community support. Whether responding to disasters or empowering women, these roles offer direct impact.
Public Policy and Government
Development specialists advise on education, health, and environmental policies. They shape strategies to tackle poverty, inequality, and climate resilience in both national and international settings.
Global Health Programmes
Working with organisations like the WHO or Doctors Without Borders, professionals manage vaccination drives, disease prevention, and healthcare infrastructure in underserved regions.
Climate Action and Sustainability
From clean energy projects to reforestation programmes, development specialists help communities adapt to climate change while promoting sustainable growth and resource management.
Research and Impact Evaluation
Development researchers evaluate whether aid programmes are effective. They collect and analyse data to inform decisions and improve future projects through evidence-based approaches.
Microfinance and Social Enterprise
These initiatives support local entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. You’ll explore how small loans and ethical business models can empower communities and reduce dependency.
Famous Figures in International Development
Amartya Sen
A Nobel Prize-winning economist whose work focuses on welfare, poverty, and development ethics. His capabilities approach transformed how development is measured — beyond just income.
Wangari Maathai
Founder of the Green Belt Movement in Kenya and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Maathai linked environmental sustainability to women’s empowerment and grassroots development.
Muhammad Yunus
Founder of the Grameen Bank and pioneer of microfinance. His approach to community-based lending has helped millions of people escape poverty through entrepreneurship.
Malala Yousafzai
An activist for girls’ education, Malala became a global voice for human rights and access to schooling after surviving a Taliban attack. Her work has influenced development policy worldwide.
Jeffrey Sachs
An economist and advisor to the UN on the Sustainable Development Goals. Sachs advocates for coordinated, data-driven strategies to end extreme poverty and promote sustainable development.
What Careers Can You Pursue with International Development?
Development Consultant or Programme Manager
Design and manage development projects for governments, NGOs, or international organisations. You’ll oversee budgets, monitor progress, and ensure projects align with local needs and global goals.
Policy Advisor or Government Analyst
Advise public institutions on policies related to health, education, infrastructure, or poverty reduction. You'll shape decisions that affect millions and ensure policies are grounded in evidence.
Field Officer for NGOs or UN Agencies
Work directly in communities to deliver aid, monitor progress, and support sustainable solutions. This hands-on role offers deep cultural engagement and real-time impact.
Sustainability or Climate Change Specialist
Help governments or businesses develop environmentally responsible strategies. You’ll work on clean energy, carbon reduction, and equitable climate adaptation.
Global Health Specialist or Researcher
Design, implement, or evaluate health programmes in developing countries. These roles focus on maternal health, disease prevention, vaccination, and healthcare infrastructure.
Human Rights Advocate or Social Justice Campaigner
Work with civil society groups to promote equality, education, legal reform, and freedom of expression. These roles often involve lobbying, awareness campaigns, and grassroots mobilisation.
Impact Analyst or Development Economist
Use data to assess which projects are effective. You’ll design surveys, evaluate results, and improve development strategies through rigorous research and economic modelling.
International Relations or Diplomacy
Work with embassies, NGOs, or international bodies to foster cooperation and development. These roles require a deep understanding of geopolitics, negotiation, and cultural diplomacy.
Explore International Development at ǶƵ
At ǶƵ, we offer intellectually rich International Development programmes for students aged 16–24, taught in small seminar-style groups in Oxford.
Explore topics like sustainability, poverty, gender equality, and global governance — all tailored to your interests. With no fixed curriculum, your tutor will guide discussions that challenge your thinking, introduce key theories, and explore real-world case studies.
Whether you're curious about global justice, public health, or sustainable economics, this course builds the critical thinking and cultural awareness needed to make a meaningful impact.
📍 Available Courses:
Conclusion: Is International Development Right for You?
If you’re passionate about global issues, eager to make a difference, and want to explore the challenges and solutions shaping our shared future — International Development could be the perfect subject for you.
To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our International Development courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available.
Submit your application today to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study International Development in Oxford. Apply Now.
About the author
Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at ǶƵ. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.
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Summary
International Development explores how societies can reduce inequality, improve quality of life, and build sustainable futures across the globe. At ǶƵ, students aged 16–24 can study key global challenges like poverty, health, and climate action in small, discussion-based classes in Oxford.
