International Sustainable Development (January 2026)

Climate change, disasters and inequality are among many urgent global challenges on the international development agenda. There's a growing need for practitioners with critical perspectives and robust practical skills who can help communities and organisations respond efficiently and sensitively to current and future problems.

Co-led by the Water, Engineering and Development Centre from our Midlands campus, this program has a strong focus on disaster response and resilience, particularly in relation to the Global South. It’s practice-led – so you’ll graduate ready for hands-on work in the areas that interest you most.

Practical skills for a demanding field

Alongside theoretical inquiry, you’ll learn by doing – building your program management and research skillset. Deepen your expertise in topics like the politics of violence, international security, and strategies and challenges in the world order, with continually refreshed content reflecting current issues and challenges.

Taught by leading academics, you’ll hear real-world insights from experienced practitioners from organisations like UNICEF, Refugee Councils, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Community Based and Consultancy Organisations. Plus, you’ll have the chance to sharpen your professional skills on an industry-led collaborative project or international field trip.

Loughborough London is part of the SHIFT innovation district and based near the UNICEF UK offices on East Bank. So it’s the ideal place to network and find partners for the collaborative elements of the course.

A pathway to an impactful career

The sustainable development sector is constantly changing, among growing awareness of the grand challenges, risks and inequalities facing societies. This course will equip you to critically reflect on this and develop the empathetic approach employers are looking for.

You’ll graduate ready to support the work of international NGOs, development consultancies, international organisations and foundations, government aid agencies, social enterprises, academia and think tanks.

Why you should study this degree

• Explore critical perspectives to traditions, theories and frameworks of sustainable development so you’re ready to work sensitively in the field.
• Gain key skills in managing sustainable development programs, particularly in the areas of disaster response and resilience.
• Engage in fieldwork and research.
• Experience sustainable development projects first-hand on an optional international field trip.
• Learn from leading academics and experienced practitioners from organisations like UNICEF, Refugee Councils, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Community Based and Consultancy Organisations.
• Study full or part time on our vibrant campus in East London, part of the SHIFT innovation district and close to the UNICEF UK offices.
• Full immersion in each topic area through block teaching.

Courses include:

• Sustainable and Resilient Development
• International Relations and Security in the Age of Polycrises
• Global South and international Development
• Managing Sustainability