Combine the study of human geography with international development to learn how to tackle the biggest challenges facing the modern world – poverty and inequality, food security, climate change, conflict, global governance, sustainability and migration. 

You’ll study geography in depth and apply your knowledge and analysis to issues in international development. The course emphasises academic rigour and technical skills whilst building your employability. You’ll gain practical skills training, field experience, and IT skills including in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 

You will start your degree with a foundation year to help you develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed, exploring global challenges, such as migration, HIV/AIDS and population growth, and being supported to learn and study effectively. You will have the chance to get a taste of previously unknown areas of study and you’ll be actively encouraged to develop your own scholarly interests, so when you successfully finish your foundation year, you’ll be perfectly placed to progress to Year 1. 

The School of International Development is internationally renowned for its research. We work closely with the School of Environmental Sciences, which houses the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and a research group on Science, Society and Sustainability.

ABOUT

After your foundation year, you will study specialised human and social geography modules such as Geographies of Development, People and Place and Urban Geographies. At the same time, you will be able to select modules dedicated to the development of regions of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America, and a range of complementary options from related disciplines including anthropology, politics, economics, environmental studies and media. 

Fieldwork and field courses are a vital part of the degree. In addition to field-work elements in a number of the taught modules, we have a weekend residential trip in Year 1 and a longer trip in either the UK or overseas. 

In Year 3, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands on experience through your dissertation research and/or Development Work Experience module. 

Although registered on the BA Geography and International Development degree, successful completion of the foundation year allows entry to any of the interdisciplinary undergraduate degree pathways in the School of International Development (DEV), including: BA International Development, BA International Development with Anthropology, BA International Development with Economics, BA International Development with Politics, BA Media and International Development, BA Geography and International Development and BSc International Development and the Environment. Students would also have the option to transfer to the BA Geography in the School of Environmental Sciences, if you choose Environmental Sciences as an optional module. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

All undergraduate students studying in DEV have the opportunity to complete a two to six month overseas placement, a placement year, or a study abroad year. 

A two to six-month overseas placement through the Development Work Placement module in Year 3 will give you the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and get hands-on professional experience. A placement year will give you the opportunity to undertake a longer 9-12 month work placement for Year 3, before returning to UEA for your final year. A study abroad year would take you to a partner university for Year 3, before returning to UEA for your final year.  

All three of these options will give you valuable insights and practical experience in a different country, as well as the chance to develop personal skills that are sought after by employers. 

Students on the foundation year wanting to undertake a study abroad or placement year can later transfer their degree to BA Geography and International Development with a Year Abroad or BA Geography and International Development with a Placement Year. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You will graduate with specialist and practical skills needed for a successful career in the UK or overseas. Many of our graduates work in development, including roles in: 

· United Nations 

· British Red Cross 

· Government (both UK and foreign).

Others use the academic and transferable skills gained for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, community development, environment, and media. 

Alternatively, you could go on to further study with an MA, MSc or PhD. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

· Government/planning 

· Business 

· Charitable sector 

· Environmental management 

· Teaching 

· Postgraduate studies