International Development and Social Anthropology Postgraduate Diploma

This programme will be of particular interest to anyone wishing to study global development, policy and practice and their local impacts from an anthropological perspective. It will help you to understand issues, processes and institutions central to global poverty, inequality and development, and to apply anthropological theories and methods to the field of international development.

The programme provides a solid base for those planning a career in development agencies, the non-governmental sector and other international organisations, and for those working in such institutions who wish to take a larger role in the direct provision of services or policy development. It is also relevant for people interested in policy research, in journalism and in undertaking advanced research in international development, anthropology and related fields.

The transferable skills you will develop include the capacity to analyse debates and issues in development, team-working, and written and oral communication. You will also learn to locate and analyse qualitative and quantitative data on development from printed and electronic sources.

The Postgraduate Diploma is ideal if you are interested in studying international development and social anthropology at postgraduate level for personal or professional reasons, but you don't yet want to commit to the full MSc.

TEACHING

At Birkbeck, almost all of our courses are taught in the evening and our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other daytime commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience.

Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study.

CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY

Graduates go into careers in local government, international aid/development, social work and human resources. Possible professions include international aid/development worker, local government officer, or social researcher. This degree may also be useful in becoming a journalist, an equality and diversity officer, or a human resources officer.