The range of experience and interests shared by staff and students in BCID is truly international: people from more than 120 countries have studied in the Centre since 1969.  We are privileged and deeply honoured to know that our alumni have held posts including that of a prime minister, various cabinet ministers, chief economist of a large development bank, and senior director in an international NGO amongst others.  Our vision is to build on this global footprint and become a centre of excellence.

Our aim is to provide a learning environment where students from any background may develop and broaden their knowledge and capabilities in a stimulating and friendly atmosphere. Student feedback included that the experience of this intercultural educational setting provided an outstanding opportunity for personal growth, and the possibly best preparation for a world which is to celebrate unity in diversity.  

Our research and knowledge transfer work is applied and aimed at making a difference. Perhaps, we are one of the foremost centres offering programmes in the field of project planning, appraisal and management related to the field of international development.

We have the expertise and an excellent track record in providing knowledge transfer (post-experience and executive education courses) and technical advice on a variety of subjects. Our clients include African Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, China Development Bank, Caribbean Development Bank, European Commission, and various national governments as well as NGOs. Academic research in the department focuses on the areas of economic development, poverty targeting, water, sustainable development, organisational change and governance. For more information, visit our RKT page.

We strive to make our teaching research-led and informed by our research and knowledge transfer activities. 

A wide choice of subject areas are integrated into our six taught Masters degrees , including development theory and policy, project planning and management, economics and finance, public policy and management, and human capacity building. In addition, two BCID degrees are taught at Mzumbe University in Tanzania.