WHY STUDY

Combine the study of human geography with international development. 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). 

Our School of International Development is internationally renowned for its research. We’re home to the Water Security Research Centre. We have important research groups in areas such as Global Environmental Justice, Lifecourse and Migration, and Gender. We collaborate with the School of Environmental Sciences, which houses the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and a research group on Science, Society and Sustainability. 

On this course you'll study specialised human and social geography modules such as Geographies of Development, People and Place and Urban Geographies. You can select modules dedicated to the development of regions of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. You also have the opportunity to choose from a range of related disciplines including anthropology, politics, economics, environmental studies and media. 

Fieldwork and field courses are a vital part of the degree. Along with field-work elements in several of the taught modules, you'll benefit from a weekend residential trip in the first year. In the second year you will take a compulsory field trip module, either in the UK or overseas. 

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

ABOUT

On this course you'll study specialised human and social geography modules such as Geographies of Development, People and Place and Urban Geographies. You can select modules dedicated to the development of regions of the world such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. You also have the opportunity to choose from a range of related disciplines including anthropology, politics, economics, environmental studies and media.

Fieldwork and field courses are a vital part of the degree. Along with field-work elements in several of the taught modules, you'll benefit from a weekend residential trip in the first year. In the second year you will take a compulsory field trip module, either in the UK or overseas.

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

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

In your third year, you will spend 9-12 months in a full-time development placement, before returning to your studies in the final year. This placement will allow you to gain invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. ​ 

​You are expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from the School staff and the Careers Service. Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year you will be transferred onto one of the three-year programmes. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You will graduate with the 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 transfer the skills gained for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, community development, environment, and media. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Career destinations related to your degree include: 

• Government/planning 

• Business 

• Charitable sector 

• Environmental management 

• Teaching 

• Postgraduate studies .