Overview
Ready to change the world? This BA (Hons) International Development degree course will arm you with the skills, knowledge and experience to make a difference to societies across the globe.
You’ll explore the role and purpose of international development, build your understanding of world affairs and have opportunities put your knowledge to work with not-for-profit organisations in developing countries.
This course is ideal for a career working with organisations at home or abroad in roles like fundraising, campaigning, community development and public affairs.
What you'll experience
On this International Development degree course, you’ll:
- Study multiple disciplines including economics, human geography, politics and international relations
- Examine major global challenges of our time including world poverty and hunger, environmental sustainability, universal education and health care, gender equality and women’s empowerment, democracy, human rights and conflict and security
- Be taught by staff who are currently doing research in the field, keeping you abreast of latest theories and knowledge
- Get experience with an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) during your studies or as part of an optional work placement year
- Learn from professionals working in the sector – recent events include a guest lecture from the Senior Strategic Advisor to Oxfam, a study day examining the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and a visit from an NGO based in Peru
- Develop skills in analysis, criticism and argument, communication and problem-solving
- Have the chance to learn a new language
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- examinations
- case studies
- projects
- presentations
- book reviews
- assignments
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The way you’re assessed may depend on the units you select. As a guide, students on this course last year were typically assessed as follows:
- Year 1 students: 8% by written exams, 23% by practical exams and 69% by coursework
- Year 2 students: 27% by written exams, 10% by practical exams and 63% by coursework
- Year 3 students: 3% by practical exams and 97% by coursework
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
For more about the teaching activities for specific modules, see the module list above.
Careers and opportunities
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the field.
What can you do with an International Development degree?
This course gives you the skills for careers in areas such as:
- fundraising and campaigning
- designing community development projects
- public affairs
- project management
- international agencies
What jobs can you do with an International Development degree?
Our graduates have gone on to roles such as:
- politician’s assistant
- project manager
- public affairs consultant
- social researcher
- information officer
- conference producer
- local government administrator
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level.
Work experience and career planning
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can help you find relevant work experience during your course. We can help you identify placements, internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies and match your ambitions.
We'll also be available to help, advise and support you for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.
This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option. This means you can earn credits towards your degree for work, volunteer and research placements that you do alongside your study.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in international development.
Students have completed work placements at organisations such as:
- British Council
- Institute of Economic Affairs
- Otra Cosa Network
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
