The Centre for Development Studies (CDS) at the University of Bath is involved in research and consulting in a range of areas, including microfinance and microenterprise development. CDS Bath aims: 

• To support research into the reality of global poverty and inequality;
• To engage with policy makers and practitioners whose actions affect global poverty and inequality. 

Its four guiding principles are:

• to link theory with practice, and research with action;
• to understand processes as well as outcomes of change;
• to relate local, national and international levels of analysis;
• to promote interdisciplinary research that builds on strong disciplinary foundations.