On this course you’ll develop a thorough understanding of contemporary issues in international development. At the same time you’ll have the chance to explore key related academic disciplines such as anthropology, politics, economics and geography. Your dissertation allows you to study a topic of your own choice in depth, under the supervision of a faculty member. 

You’ll develop a range of skills that employers value, including research skills, analysing data, preparing reports, giving presentations, and working as part of a team. 

You’ll be taught by academic staff whose research is internationally renowned. We’re actively involved in research across the globe, working with many national and international development agencies. 

Our flexible approach to learning enables you to explore your interests and strengths so you graduate with a world-class degree in international development. 

ABOUT

Prepare for a career in sustainable international development with a degree exploring the social, political, and economic dimensions of the field. 

You’ll tackle diverse issues such as poverty, globalisation, gender inequality, conflict and humanitarian interventions. You’ll also choose from optional modules on environmental change, education and development, geographies of development, and media and development, as well as modules focusing on particular regions of the developing world. 

In your third year, you’ll spend two to six months gaining work experience abroad. For many students, this experience is the highlight of their time at university. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

You’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and get hands-on professional experience through the Development Work Placement module. You’ll spend two to six months working abroad on a development project in your third year. Past students have worked with Inter Press Service in New York, Video Volunteers in Goa, British Red Cross in London, Otra Cosa in Peru, and WaterAid in Ethiopia. 

During your placement you’ll gain valuable insights and practical experience in a different country and culture. You’ll develop the personal skills that employers are looking for. 

AFTER THE COURSE

You’ll 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 in roles in the United Nations World Food Programme, UK governments, foreign governments, non-government organisations, and charities such as Oxfam and British Red Cross. 

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

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

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Career destinations related to your degree include: 

• United Nations World Food Programme 

• International NGOs, 

• Government (both UK and foreign) 

• British Red Cross 

• Oxfam