International Development BA (Hons)

This degree gives you an insight into the challenges of global development. It explores how the competing challenges of inequality, poverty reduction, economic growth and social development are negotiated and contested, alongside ways in which people and institutions respond to these challenges.

Core modules in the programme introduce you to key issues such as the impact of colonialism, how different agencies contribute to development and how development operates in practice. You’ll also be able to choose from optional modules in your final year, allowing you to specialise in the regions, countries and themes that excite you most – and even spend a semester studying at the University of Ghana to gain a new insight into development.

Quantitative Research Methods (QRM) pathway

At the end of Year 1, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a place on our BA International Development with Quantitative Research Methods pathway. This pathway will help you develop advanced analytical skills, which are in high demand across the public, private, and third sectors. You will learn statistical analysis techniques and their application to real data (e.g. survey data, countries’ statistical data) using statistical software. You will also write a dissertation in which you will analyse quantitative data to examine questions about politics, development or international relations.

Semester Abroad

This degree provides you with an exclusive option to study abroad at the University of Ghana in the second semester of the second year as long as you achieve a minimum grade in Year 1. The modules you study will count towards your degree.

While on the semester abroad you could also get involved with volunteering and learn from local charitable organisations and NGOs to see first-hand the daily work and challenges that are part of running such organisations. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of another culture and gain a new perspective to inform the rest of your studies.

The semester abroad is offered independently of the University’s year-long study abroad programme, so you can still apply to extend your degree by a year and spend your third year overseas.

Assessment

Modules will use a variety of assessment methods. As well as traditional exams, you could also be asked to complete projects based on essays and case studies, policy briefs, group presentations, work logs, research briefs, project proposals or development agency reviews. In your final year you’ll also submit a 10,000 word dissertation.

Career opportunities

This course will give you in-depth knowledge of debates, approaches, strategies, politics and programmes in the field of international development. It will also equip you with an understanding of project design and management in the international development context, as well as skills in research, analysis, using qualitative and quantitative data, communication and decision-making in complex situations.

Our course equips you for various career paths. Compatible careers include working in international development agencies, international organisations, governments, politics, NGOs, research organisations, policy making, companies, media, and academia.

Our graduates have gone on to work in, for instance, non-governmental organisations in the UK or overseas, research and consultancy firms, international organisations (such as the UN), the Civil Service, the media, or have continued with further study.