BA International Development (L921)

Course Code UNU1L921303
Attendance Full Time
Award Degree of Bachelor of Arts

Overview
Why Choose Us
Requirements
Course Profile
Fees and Funding
Apply

Overview

The BA International Development degree is for students primarily interested in the social, political, and economic dimensions of international development. The degree tackles diverse topics such as social anthropology, human rights, and economic theory but also gives students the option of taking natural resource modules that examine the sustainability and governance of issues such as soils, water, food production and fisheries.

The programme will appeal to those who wish to develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues in international development with a social science perspective. You will also acquire a large number of skills that are invaluable in today's labour market, including the ability to analyse data, prepare reports, make presentations, and work as part of a team. Flexibility within the degree will enable you to explore your interests and strengths while graduating with a world-class degree in development.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Our degree programmes maximise the range of modules available to students with flexibility being a key element of the modular undergraduate teaching structure. With the subject of International Development tending to be relatively new to the majority of our students, the first semester is designed to provide general background information through the module Introduction to Development Studies which follows historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic. Please click to access the three-year course outline for the BA International Development degree.

Designed to inspire as well as to educate, we aim to enhance and inform your interest in development studies by providing skills, knowledge, understanding and practical experience. Teaching methods incorporate lectures, seminars, and e-learning sessions and student participation is actively encouraged through the use of discussion, debate, video, role-playing and problem-solving techniques. Assessment takes place throughout the period of study, with the majority of modules being assessed by a combination of course/project work, group assignments, seminar presentations and examination.

Your independent research skills will be developed throughout your degree, culminating in a final year project (Dissertation). All students are assigned an academic adviser to oversee their progress and to guide them through their wide range of module choices.

Career Opportunities

Many opportunities now exist in the broad field of international development. Large numbers of governments and organisations are creating positions, budgets and policies designed to address many pressing issues (for example: effecting climate change policy; mitigating infectious diseases; delivering child education; building appropriate infrastructure; achieving sustainable agriculture and food security; managing conflict over resources). These require remarkable individuals with remarkable skills.

A graduate of International Development is a rare but valued individual due to the many skills acquired through the degree that enable students to analyse, understand and explain diverse points of view; appreciate the complex dimensions of development problems; respect differences of opinion; and apply logic and objectivity in different situations. Many of our graduates are working with large Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Oxfam, Action Aid, Save the Children Fund, World Wildlife Fund, Water Aid, Global Vision and Concern. Others decide to work for local or national government in the UK or overseas in a range of roles concerned with social and community care, economic development or urban regeneration, human rights and advocacy, environmental conservation, forestry and water resources. Our degrees can also be used as a qualification to enter journalism, management or teaching and a recent careers analysis of our International Development Undergraduates reflects this diversity, with alumni taking up a variety of posts. For example:

Desk officer for DFID in the UK or overseas;
Adviser in a think tank in London on social and economic issues;
Community support officer in Wales, Kyrgyzstan or Nepal;
Progress to study for a PhD;
Researcher for senior academic or politician;
Lecturer or school teacher;
Scientist for an NGO such as WWF;
Policy team for Education in an NGO such as Oxfam;
Internship or overseas opportunities with ODI;
Administrative officer for a development consultancy company leading to work overseas and career progression.

The School of International Development also works very closely with the University Careers Centre which, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, will help students to seek out various opportunities towards supporting their career development. Please click to view the career profiles of some of our recent graduates.

Course Organiser

Dr Edward Anderson

Why Choose Us?

Thank you for your interest in the Undergraduate Degrees offered by the School of International Development at the University of East Anglia. We are the only UK university department that integrates the natural and social sciences in one unit.

Excellent Student Satisfaction: The School of International Development was ranked 2nd in the country in the 2011 National Student Survey for its students' overall satisfaction with their course, in the subject category of Human and Social Geography.

Our degrees in International Development offer insights into how the world and communities are developing from an interdisciplinary approach (sometimes labelled 'Third World development'). Our staff and students share a concern for economic and social poverty that affects vast numbers of the world’s population, for the maintenance of human rights, and for the protection and sustainability of our environment and natural resources. Our students come from many countries and disciplinary backgrounds including geography, the humanities, politics, and the natural and social sciences.

Key features of the School include:

Recognised as a leader in the field
Rated 'Excellent' for teaching quality
Rated a 5-star department for research - RAE 2008
Interdisciplinary approach -both social and natural sciences
Opportunity to study or work overseas
Specialist teaching from teachers engaged in development work
Exciting career opportunities
Friendly and international students and staff
Development and employability skills provided

Teaching colleagues and researchers include natural scientists, sociologists, economists and political analysts. You will find that we place a high priority on our teaching and we are proud of the learning experience offered at UEA. We continuously monitor course quality by obtaining written feedback from all our students on each module they take, we discuss and develop ideas with our staff-student liaison committee, and we hold a thorough review of our teaching each June.

We attract nearly 250 students each year from across 50 different countries. If you join us, you will discover many exciting opportunities for engaging in development issues, you will meet people from different cultures, explore challenging problems, build your individual and team skills and discover fascinating new career directions. You will find our friendly School is exceptionally committed to supporting you in these endeavours.

Dr Steve Russell
Head of the School

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere. The next Undergraduate Open Days will be held on Saturday 23 June 2012 and Saturday 7 July 2012.

You will have the chance to attend subject-specific talks and presentations about student life and finance. You will also be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and current students giving you a first-hand impression of life at the University of East Anglia - check out the accommodation, learning resources, student support, and our sport and entertainment facilities.

In addition to the above we offer a Personal Visit option, available on specific Friday afternoons throughout the year. Please contact us for further information about these.

If you are not able to visit us in person, check out our Virtual Open Day experience which we hope will help to provide you with an insight into life and study at the University of East Anglia.

Students who have been offered a place on one of our undergraduate programmes will be invited to attend one of our Visit Days.

Further Information

School of International Development - Further Information If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Admissions Office (Development)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 593711 or 592332
Email: dev.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of International Development Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Entry Requirements

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see below for typical offer).

Candidates with equivalent qualifications to the A level requirement are encouraged to apply (eg International Baccalaureate; Access to Higher Education certificate). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Students should also have 5 GCSEs grade C and above, including English and Mathematics.

A Level ABB
International Baccalaureate 32
Scottish Advanced Highers ABB (acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications)
Irish Leaving Certificate AABBBB
Access Course Pass with Distinction in 36 credits at level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at level 3
HND Please contact dev.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information
European Baccalaureate 75%

Students for whom English is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
TOEFL: Internet-based score of 92 overall (minimum 21 in the listening and writing components; 22 in the reading component; and 23 in the speaking component)
PTE: 62 overall (minimum 59 in all components)

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

If you do not meet the academic and or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Business and Economics
International Foundation in Computing with Business
International Foundation in the Sciences

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

Assessment

Key factors used to assess an application include:

Past and future achievement in examinations
Academic interest in the subject
Personal interests and extra-curricular activities
The reference

All applications are considered on their own individual merits.

Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

Year 1

Essential Study (120 credits)

Students will select 120 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Evidence in Development This module aims to provide a basic introduction into quantitative and qualitative research methods; introduce key concepts in maths and statistics relevant to the study of international development; and to provide a foundation in the key academic skills expected at university including essay planning and writing, reading and thinking critically, using UEA Library services and computing systems and developing effective oral communication and teamwork skills. The unit will be taught through lectures, practical workshops and computer-based lab sessions. more...	DEV-1A35	20	Semester 1
Introduction to Development Studies This module provides an introduction to International Development Studies. Themes of poverty, inequality, economic growth and sustainability are explored from the perspectives of development economics, social development, and environment and natural resource management. A number of contemporary development issues are examined including globalisation, environmental degradation, gender, the state, aid, property rights, knowledge and progress. more...	DEV-1A21	40	Semester 1
Introduction to Economics of Development The module introduces students to the main macro- and micro-economic issues of development. It lays the foundations for the modules Microeconomics of Development and Macroeconomics of Development. The main theories of development will be reviewed. Central issues related to poverty, human capital development, the environment, globalisation, balance of payments and financial systems will also be covered. more...	DEV-1B22	20	Semester 2
Introduction to Natural Resources and Development: Principles and Concepts This module explores the biological and physical basis for primary production within the main natural resource systems providing food, fuel and fibre to human populations. The course has an integrated biophysical core and also deals with resource demand, supply and exploitation issues. There will be a particular emphasis on the important processes in production and a number of key issues in natural resource systems will be introduced here e.g. global resource cycles, diversity, productivity and stability of natural resource systems. There is an important field-based, practical element throughout this course. more...	DEV-1B24	20	Semester 2
Social Anthropology and International Development 1 This is the first part of a two-year integrated course that covers basic principles from the social sciences, and uses them to think critically about processes of social change in developing countries. SAID1 provides an introduction to social analysis and is framed by the study of social anthropology. Concepts and methods are explained through the use of indepth case studies which from a range of developing country contexts. Issues covered in the course include: kinship, religion, violence, labour, politics and resistance. As well as introducing students to classical anthropological texts the course engages with the work of anthropologists looking at issues of contemporary development and change. more...	DEV-1B28	20	Semester 2

Year 2

Option A Study (80 credits)

Students will select 80 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Critical Analysis of Environment and Development This module continues to explore and develop the themes covered in NR1 and NR2 and exposes students to a range of different approaches for analysing complex issues in environment and development. A number of different conceptual frameworks such as legal pluralism, value chains, capabilities, and rights-centred perspectives are introduced and used to explore particular aspects of resource management issues. Specific natural resource issues examined in the module vary, but may include forest user conflicts, water resource management, biotechnology, renewable energy, and biodiversity. The module also continues to develop skills in quantitative analysis, particularly on statistical inference. more...	DEV-2D64	20	Semester 2
Economics for Development 2: Microeconomics Economics for Development II (Microeconomics) introduces students to basic concepts of microeconomics and its application to development problems. Microeconomic theories of consumption, production, externalities, public goods, common property resources, market structures, land and labour markets and households are covered with an emphasis on issues relevant to developing countries. In addition to conventional microeconomic principles, insights from behavioural and institutional economics on development problems are also covered. more...	DEV-2C51	20	Semester 1
Macroeconomics of Development This module covers macroeconomic and international aspects of development economics. The macroeconomics of development deals with issues of inflation, balance of payments disequilibrium, economic stabilisation and economic growth. The international part of the module includes trade theory, the terms of trade and experiences of protection and export promotion. more...	DEV-2D52	20	Semester 2
Politics and International Development "This political analysis for development module focuses on core principles in politics and their application to development analysis, covering topics that include power and resistance, states and nations, citizenship and participation, identities and multiculturalism, democratic and authoritarian regimes, and elections and the use of force. The various topics will be taught with intensive reference to theory but integrated with empirical material, both historical and contemporary in nature. It is taught through a combination of lectures, facilitated reading groups, video sessions and student-led seminars." more...	DEV-2D78	20	Semester 2
Social Anthropology and International Development 2 This module teaches concepts, theories and methods that are fundamental to social anthropology and its relationship with development and change. The teaching methods include formal lectures, guided discussions of key readings, small-group seminars, and ethnographic films. The topics include: fieldwork and ethnography, kinship and marriage, personhood, identity and gender, cultural rights, economic anthropology ecological anthropology, and the anthropology of development. more...	DEV-2C77	20	Semester 1
Sustainable Resource Use and Livelihoods This module builds on the key issues and themes introduced in NR1, i.e. diversity, productivity, sustainability, variability and stability, change and degradation etc. It broadly addresses the major challenges encountered when trying to achieve sustainable management of natural resources. It aims to give students a working understanding of scientific principles behind natural processes, as well as how these relate to broader contexts in development. The module also develops students' understanding of and experience in using a range of quantitative tools and approaches for measuring and describing natural resources. more...	DEV-2C63	20	Semester 1

Option B Study (20 credits)

Students will select 20 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Quantitative Evidence in Development Throughout the study of international development, it is important to weigh our theoretical ideas and policy recommendations against the available evidence. This unit deals with the use of quantitative evidence. The aim is to enable students i) to understand quantitative analysis encountered in other units, ii) to become critical readers of Published quantitative data analysis and iii) to gather, analyse and Interpret quantitative evidence themselves in support of their own study of development questions. The unit deals with sampling approaches, a review of descriptive statistics and a number of inferential methods. Techniques taught include simple tests for group differences such as the t-test, analysis of variance and linear regression. more...	DEV-2C27	20	Semester 1
Research Methods for Social Anthropology Part 1: Epistemologies, methodologies and methods Epistemologies, methodologies and methods, ethics, access, reflexivity. Rigour in qualitative research, triangulation, research design, sampling and selection. Part 2: Evidence and Testimony Kinds of interviews: structured, semi- structured, unstructured. Studying change: life histories, trends, `impact evaluation', archives. Studying kinship and relatedness: genealogies. Discourse analysis Using case studies Part 3: Measurement and observation Participant observation, field notes. Measurement: time allocation, anthropometry, nutrition, health. Emic approaches: diaries, photography Ethnographic film Part 4: Analysis and interpretation Problems of causation, replication Interpreting speech. Using secondary data and policy documents. Discourse and textual analysis. Use of qualitative software Part 5: Ethnographic Products Ethnographic writing: emic/etic, analytical and descriptive Thick description, intertextuality and ethnographic comparison Ethnographic film. more...	DEV-2D80	20	Semester 2

Free Choice Study (20 credits)

Students can select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School.

Year 3

Essential Study (40 credits)

Students will select 40 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Dissertation The dissertation provides an opportunity to undertake a research project on a topic within development studies in consultation with a supervisor. It is intended to complement the more conventional methods of coursework and examination assessment, allowing students to investigate and consider themes and issues of importance to them in more depth. The dissertation is not an extended essay; rather it is a (social) scientific piece of research that sets out a clear question and methods, and develops a coherent argument based on a review of existing and/or interpretation of fresh evidence, and application to theory. A dissertation is RESTRICTED TO DEV AND EGID STUDENTS ONLY. more...	DEV-3D2Y	40	Year Period

Option A Study (60 credits)

Students will select 60 credits from the following module(s).

Name	Code	Credits	Period
Contemporary Issues in Resource Development & Conservation RDC aims to use recent research and practical experience in the multi- and inter-disciplinary analysis of critical challenges in resource development and conservation in the developing world. Specifically, themes such as the relation between science and policy, and the implications of increased participation and local control are examined through discussions of theory and the use of case studies, in order to develop an understanding of their natural and social science, and policy dimensions. Each year these themes will be explored within two selected contexts such as - African pastoralism, water resources and irrigated agriculture, forestry, biodiversity, fisheries and aquatic resources, environment and conservation, etc. more...	DEV-3D12	20	Semester 2
Development in Practice This module aims to provide practical training and learning opportunities to support students to develop capabilities and skills to be effective development practitioners in the field and workplace, whether in the UK or abroad. Students will draw on and apply conceptual and subject-related knowledge gained through their degree to specific development challenges, thereby enhancing understanding of the relationship between theory and practice in international development and in particular in project planning and evaluation. The course will be delivered through lectures, discussions and skills based workshops. Students will be required to work individually and in teams towards course objectives and assessments. more...	DEV-3D40	20	Semester 2
Development Work Experience This module provides students with the opportunity to work overseas or in the UK, for example working in education, conservation, agriculture, working with vulnerable groups, administration or journalism. Students are expected to fund their own project, which must be approved by the module convenor. The school has a database of projects to assist students with their project selection. The work placement can be between 2 - 5 months duration, over a period stretching from the summer (July) at the end of year two through to the end of the autumn semester of year three (November/December). As a 20 credit module students are expected to work for a minimum of 2 months and complete 150 hours of work as a minimum requirement. There are two pieces of assessment: an initial reflective piece of writing (750 words) about the placement;, and an essay of 2500 words related to the placement or project work. more...	DEV-3C33	20	Semester 1
Education and International Development This module provides students with an understanding of key theories and current debates linking education to development and relating these to international and national education strategies, policies and educational practices. The module will have an introductory session followed by four blocks. The first block introduces students to three key theories and how they are played out in the context of education - human capital, rights and capabilities/social justice. This is followed by three lectures examining how these are articulated in and through different forms of education - formal/schooling, non-formal/adult education and informal/learning in family or community environments and through labour. The third block will explore issues of difference and inclusion in relation to current and interrelated educational priorities such as economic poverty and child labour; gender inequalities and gender violence; and minoritised groups (on the basis of ethnicity, class, language etc.). The fourth block investigates theories of learning and their provenance and both classroom practices and pedagogies and elarning in 'informal' out of school contexts. more...	DEV-2C29	20	Semester 1
Field Course This field based module is designed to enable students to develop and carry out a small independent research project on a natural resource or environment-related topic. The research takes place in Europe, the specific location decided each year by the module convenors. Students are introduced to a range of research techniques, drawing from Rapid Rural Appraisal and Participatory Rural Appraisal field methods, as well as standard methods for environmental assessment and for social research. They are encouraged to apply different research methods to their own topic, with support from faculty. The module takes place during a two week period at the beginning of the summer vacation. THIS IS PRIMARILY FOR DEV BSC STUDENTS, THOUGH ENV (EGID) and DEV BA (WHO TAKE NR) ARE WELCOME, PROVIDED THERE IS SPACE. more...	DEV-3C11	20	Semester 1
Gender and Development This module builds on the introduction to gender issues in the DEV 1 Introduction to Development Studies, and sits alongside the SAND 2 anthropology modulewhere disciplinary approaches to gender are covered. This however is an interdisciplinary module which is open to students following any principles combination. The course will begin by exploring the various approaches to theorising gender and development, then introduces and explains a range of key concepts as the foundations of gender analyses. The second part of the course applies these concepts in examining a selection of important relevant debates: land and property rights, work and employment policies, voice and empowerment, violence, religion and the gendered nature of institutions. more...	DEV-2C25	20	Semester 1
Globalisation and Economic Development The impact of globalisation on economic development and the role played by the global economic institutions (World Bank, IMF and WTO) are central issues today. The module examines the implications of the global integration of the markets for goods, technology, capital and labour. It extends the analysis of trade and international finance in Economics for Development 3, looks at the role of transnational corporations in the world economy and the international transfer of technology, and examines the international mobility of labour. It asks what are the implications of these developments for the nation state and how can the global economy be regulated? more...	DEV-3D22	20	Semester 2
Latin American Development A regional studies module which covers economic, social and political aspects of development in Latin America. It situates the region in its historical and international context, and gives an overview of major development debates in the region. The module also includes country case studies of contrasting development strategies. more...	DEV-2D42	20	Semester 2
Public Policy and Welfare This module explores relations between public policies (defined broadly) and processes of social and political change. The course has both theoretical and more practical components. Reflecting on the politics of public policy and the unevenness of the state in the developing world the course provides a framework for thinking about social change and public welfare. As well as the role of state institutions, there is also a discussion of the role played by NGOs and other civil society actors in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. Issues covered include HIVAids and public policy in Africa, and state poverty reduction programmes in South Asia. more...	DEV-3D38	20	Semester 2
South Asian Development The module begins with an overview of contemporary South Asia followed by selected issues and regional case studies, and ending with the future of the region in the world system. Topics include the colonial legacy, the caste system, economic planning, industrialisation, agriculture and rural-urban linkages and the political economy of development. more...	DEV-2D48	20	Semester 2
Sub-Saharan Africa Development This module provides a historically-grounded analysis of political, social and economic change in Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on a range of scholarship from political science, sociology and economics the course examines key development trends. Though the course looks at formal development assistance and its role in sub-Saharan Africa, the focus is on development in its broader sense. It covers areas including colonialism and the post-colonial experience, the reason for Africa's poor economic performance, famine and aid effectiveness, conflict and the growing importance of religion in public life in Africa. It also explores the practice of policy through issues such as decentralisation, basic services and education, examines the implications of policy on equity and equality, and investiages the way forward for economic policy. The course takes into account both common experiences across the region and more particular national and local experiences. more...	DEV-2D46	20	Semester 2
Wars, Humanitarian Crises and Aid This module will provide an overview of complex emergencies across the globe (conflicts, natural disasters), their causes, their impacts on human security and the multiple challenges they pose to the aid community. It will combine approaches 'from below' (drivers of political violence and state failures) with global perspectives on security, the politicisation of aid and the ethical debates surrounding humanitarian intervention. more...	DEV-3C29	20	Semester 1

Free Choice Study (20 credits)

Students can select modules worth 20 credits from the course catalogue with the approval of their School.

Disclaimer

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.

International Development Courses

International Development

BA International Development (L921)

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Career Opportunities

Come and Visit Us

Further Information

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3