The course provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the most pressing global development challenges, from reducing inequality to tackling climate change, and how these play out in the Americas. Students are encouraged to think critically about development and consider the institutions, actors, and interests that enable and hinder efforts to build economically prosperous, socially just, and environmentally sustainable societies. Combining theoretical and practical instruction, the course provides a strong foundation for a successful career in various organisations of the development sector, including international cooperation agencies, NGOs, think tanks, government offices, corporate and financial institutions, and specialised media.
Students are exposed to the most influential development theories through an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on political economy, economics, political science, sociology, history, and anthropology. The course also includes an Annual Lecture with world-leading scholars and provides complementary instruction in social science research methods.
Students are also introduced to the practical frameworks currently used by prominent development organisations to design, manage, and evaluate development programmes, projects, and advocacy campaigns. Practical skills are further developed during student visits to leading development organisations in London as well as seminars focused on the analysis of prominent development policies.
Graduates will have acquired transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors:
Students benefit from a wide range of networking opportunities to enhance their future careers both in the academic and policy/development sectors.
The Institute of the Americas hosts many events for leading scholars, activists, and policymakers. We also have close connections with government institutions, NGOs, think tanks, and media organisations throughout the Americas.
Upon completing this degree, you will have skills well suited for jobs in sectors such as: