Programme Specification for International Development (Major, Joint or Minor)
Campus: Docklands
Why Study International Development as part of a Combined Honours Degree?
The majority of the world's people live in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. International Development is concerned with debates and discussions over 'development' and the so called ' Third World ', and the relationship between them and the rest of the world. Study is interdisciplinary, drawing on the insights of economics, politics, sociology, cultural studies and history to understand the nature of the so called ' Third World '. The main themes are 'globalisation' and 'development'. We ask whether globalisation is 'good' or 'bad' for developing countries? What kind of globalisation would be better? Is 'progress' and 'development' desirable?
We have regular extra activities for students including seminars with NGO speakers, films and social events with the international development student society. We are also developing an online library for students and have many direct links to developing countries - covering Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Students have the opportunity to travel overseas, as part of an approved semester abroad scheme and/or on a study visit. This provides an opportunity to engage with a different culture and to study at first hand many of the concepts and theories encountered earlier in your studies. Instead or as well as a semester abroad, students may opt for a semester long work placement in the London office or an overseas placement of a Development Agency/NGO.
What will I study?
The study of International Development: the Third World is interdisciplinary. Drawing from economics, politics, sociology, cultural studies and history, it explores the following big questions:
- To what extent are the United Nations Millennium Development Goals moving the bottom billion out of poverty? What should happen in 2015 when the deadline for completing the MDGs expires?
- With powerful Multi-national corporations and a budding global civic society, how does the ‘third world’ fit into the dynamic landscape of today’s International Order?
- What does it mean for development that myspace and facebook have over 250 million users?
- What is the role of the market in the resource allocation of the economy, and what about the commons?
- What can the ‘third world’ learn, and what can we learn from the ‘third world’?
- In the many globalisations, where do the poor fit? What can be learned from the development cases of Argentina, Bangladesh and China?
- Can sustainability and development be compatible? Does India show a way forward?
- Why has Africa become poorer in the last thirty years? What is happening in Asia due to the financial crisis?
- Has Latin America found a new model of development?
- How can the capabilities approach and the study of wellbeing help us better understand multi-dimensional poverty?
- How can we improve the wellbeing of those often left behind by policy
Which modules will I study?
You can view a full guide to the modules you have to study as part of your chosen pathway, along with a full range of option modules available by viewing the Single & Combined Honours Programmes Guide for International Development.
Can I study a Combined Honours Programme as a Part-time degree?
All our Combined Honours Programmes can be studied on a Part-time or Full-time basis. As a Part-time student, you will study the same degree programme, but at a slower pace. You will study up to 4 modules per year (instead of 6 as a full-time student).
What career opportunities are open to me if I study International Development?
Specialists in International Development can work as professionals in the development field: in development agencies, aid and relief organisations, as well as human rights, charitable and voluntary bodies. Their degrees will also provide a good basis for postgraduate study in Development or associated fields. Graduates also go on to work in a wide range of organisations which are not primarily devoted to Development, for example in the media, education, and international companies.
What can I combine with International Development?
Popular combinations include:
- Anthropology and International Development (LLX6)
- Business Information Systems/ International Development (GL5X)
- Computer Networks with International Development (G4L9)
- Early Childhood Studies/ International Development (XL39)
- History with International Development (V1L9)
- Information Technology/ International Development (GLM9)
- Multimedia Design Technology/ International Development (WL29)
- Pharmacology/ International Development (BL29)
- Software Engineering with International Development (G6L9)
- International Development/Communication Studies (LPX9)
- International Development/English Literature (LQ93)
- International Development/History (LVX1)
- International Development/Media Studies (PLH9)
- International Development/Sociology (LLJ9 - BA/PWPU)
We have over 5000 different combinations and you can choose from over 75 pathways. Please visit the Combined Honours Programmes page for a full list
Entry Requirements
240 UCAS tariff points (including two passes at A2 level) plus GCSE English grade C or above.
How do I apply?
If you wish to study with us full-time from September, you will need to make your application via UCAS (www.ucas.ac.uk).
If you wish to study with us part-time you can obtain an application form from our admissions department study@uel.ac.uk or apply on-line.
More Information
For further information on the range of International Development programmes available at UEL, please visit the School website
Contact Us
If you would like to speak to someone about a Combined Honours Programme, please contact the School of Combined Honours
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