Ph.D. Degrees in International Development in South Africa
4 International Development PhDs in South Africa
International Development degrees
International Development degrees teach students how to seek solutions for social and economic problems like inequality, poverty, healthcare, or human rights. International Development degrees are multidisciplinary studies that make use of concepts from Sociology, Political Science, Resource Management, and Economics and use them to improve the wellbeing of vulnerable or disadvantaged communities in both in developed and underdeveloped countries.
You should study an International Development degree if you are passionate about worthwhile causes, are a great project manager, you are willing to educate others to improve their lives and plan to work for an NGO or to start one. You will need a lot of dedication and a strong will in order to advocate for causes that enact change and overcome diverse challenges along the way.
While studying an International Development degree, you can specialise in area such as Management, Economics, Global Sustainability, Environmental Sciences, Social Policy, and more.
International Development courses and skills
International Development courses aim to prepare students for implementing long-term sustainable solutions for problems faced by communities. In order to do this, universities provide a diverse set of classes meant to act as a toolbox for future graduates including notions on: Economics, Sociology, Law, Political, Environmental aspects, Human Rights, Education, Equality, and more.
Students will build most of their skills through coursework, volunteer work and internships. Students will develop great communication skills in order to be able to explain complex issues, project management skills and will likely need to learn at least one major foreign language. Future graduates will also need to develop teaching and facilitator skills, as a lot of their responsibilities will be to teach others how to help themselves with limited resources at their disposal. You will develop a broad overview of how different factors play a role in societies.
International Development careers
Graduates of International Development degrees work with NGOs and governments to fight corruption, reach trade agreements, develop infrastructure, broker peace agreements and more. Work in advocacy, diplomacy, marketing, economics, fund raising, education, analysis and consultancy, or public health. Cooperate with NGOs, charities, lobbies, governments, big businesses and global organizations like the United Nations.
Read more about studying a International Development degree
Not sure if International Development is for you?
Study in South Africa
South Africa offers very affordable Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. The ‘Rainbow Nation’ excels in disciplines like Development Studies, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Tuition fees are among the lowest in the world, and many study programmes are taught in English. International students also enjoy low costs of living and have the opportunity to explore South Africa’s beautiful cities and landscape, which includes Table Mountain, the Garden Route, and gorgeous beaches.
Read more about studying abroad in South AfricaCan you handle the weather in South Africa?