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BSc International Development with Environment and Society ( L2F7 )

UCAS Course Code:
L2F7
Attendance:
Full Time
Award:
Degree of Bachelor of Science
School of Study:
International Development
Brochure:
School of International Development Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
Typical A-Level Offer:
ABB

The BSc International Development with Environment and Society degree is for students primarily interested in understanding the inter-relationships between natural resources, environment and humans. 

Development can be defined as positive change and the School of International Development applies social and natural sciences to study of processes of change in developing countries. The foundation of the School is its commitment to social development, more sustainable use of the environment and natural resources and a more equitable distribution of access to resources, services, opportunities, human rights and other elements that collectively determine the well-being of individuals and communities.

Uniquely in the UK, this programme integrates social and natural science perspectives in a broad interdisciplinary approach to studying development issues. This is consistent with analysing and trying to understand the world in a plurality of ways. At the core of the BSc programme is an exploration and analysis of the key themes in environmental and natural resource management that facilitate our understanding of change and the requirements for sustainable resource management. The programme aims to produce graduates equipped to enter employment and work effectively in Development, particularly in the area of natural resource management and environment sustainability where ‘people’ are recognised to be the core determining factor in how resources are utilised. The degree also provides graduates with a strong portfolio of transferable key skills that allow them to seek employment in a large number of different areas.

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.

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.

Dr. John Mcdonagh


The School of International Development at the University of East Anglia is a globally renowned department for teaching, research and consultancy in the area of international development. Committed to making a difference through our teaching and research, we also advise on policy concerning major global challenges such as poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.

We are a friendly, thriving and cosmopolitan department. Many of our students are from the UK, with others from over 40 countries.

So why choose to study at the School of International Development at UEA?

  • Excellent Student Satisfaction: in the 2012 National Student Survey we scored 95% for our undergraduate teaching, student learning and personal development. The School of International Development is consistently ranked very highly in the National Student Survey in the subject category of Human and Social Geography. In 2012 the School was ranked 6th in the country.
  • High quality research and impact: The School’s research was rated as ‘internationally excellent’ by the government in the last national research assessment exercise (RAE 2008). The School was placed in the top three departments in the country for research on international development.
  • Excellent staff-student ratios: We have around 400 students in the School, 220 of which are undergraduates. With 40 members of staff, this makes our overall staff-student ratio 1:10, with one member of academic staff per six undergraduate students.
  • What our students say: See some of our students’ own feedback about their experience of study with The School of International Development.

How do we provide such a good student experience?

  • A dedicated and distinctive teaching culture: Our excellent staff-student ratios and teaching methods mean we offer small class sizes and a close-knit, friendly and personal learning environment. Staff can dedicate time to individual students. We come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds so we design and offer coherent courses and teaching across several academic disciplines without having to rely on other departments. All our staff teach, whether they are professors or junior lecturers.
  • Work Experience Placements: For the past 10 years all our undergraduate degrees have offered an incredible opportunity; a work placement in the UK or overseas as an integral part of the three year degree through the Development Work Experience module. Through established links with organisations and a database of quality-assured projects the opportunities and support we provide to you are second to none. Recent examples of placements include:
    • working for the UN in Cambodia on a poverty reduction programme
    • working in South Africa on a rural development project with communities and schools
    • working for Great Yarmouth Borough Council on a climate change adaptation project.

Students can select projects from our database, explore their own options, or draw on the extensive staff networks and alumni links that we have across the globe. The School offers a bursary to each student to help them with the costs of the work placement. 

  • Overseas Study opportunities: As an alternative to work experience, students can opt to study at an overseas university in the Autumn semester.
  • We ensure you leave with transferable skills: We ensure that all our courses integrate transferable skills, such as the ability to carry out research, write reports or policy briefs, make verbal or written presentations, and teamwork.
  • Development of specific professional skills: The third year module Development in Practice involves practice-based workshops to develop professional skills such as project design and management, financial management, advocacy work and the use of social media for communication and business purposes. We also offer more specialised professional skills training in areas such as humanitarian assistance, Geographical Information Systems and film-making. All of these skills are essential to your career development and are attractive to employers.

If you choose to join us, you will discover exciting opportunities for engaging in development issues, meet people from different cultures, explore challenging problems, build individual and team skills and discover fascinating new career directions.

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 Day will be held on Saturday 22 June 2013.


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 591515
Email: admissions@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.

UniStats Information

Entry Requirements

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.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information
European Baccalaureate:
75%

Entry Requirement

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 including English (grade C) and Mathematics (grade C).

One A Level should be in a science subject: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Geography or Economics.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. 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 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
  • PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 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.
 

Special Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to have a grade B or above at A Level (or equivalent qualification) in a science subject: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Environmental Sciences, Geography or Economics.

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

GCSE Offer

Students should also have 5 GCSEs including English (grade C) and Mathematics (grade C).

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.

Fees and Funding

The fees and financial support information listed below is the same for all undergraduate courses within the School of International Development.

University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

The University is committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed financial assistance in the form of both bursaries and scholarships. Further information on some of the scholarships and bursaries available for 2013 can be found here.

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University of East Anglia will be charging International students £12,300 for all full-time School of International Development undergraduate programmes which start in 2013.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.

International Development Undergraduate Scholarships: All International undergraduate students who have applied to the School of International Development and have accepted their place by 31st May 2013 will be eligible to be considered for an International Development Scholarship on the basis of academic excellence. The awards which are available to those beginning the course in September 2013 will be:

  • One Scholarship - £5,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course
  • Three Scholarships - £3,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course

Candidates do not need to complete a separate application form.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.


Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Development)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

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