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Kickstart Your Global Development Journey
Hear from students about learning, growing, and building confidence during their Foundation Year.
BA (Hons) Geography with Global Development with a Foundation Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- 8FLL
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 202195%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 20201st
in the UK for research quality in Geography and Environmental Science.
The Complete University Guide 2026Course Overview
Why Geography and Global Development with a Foundation Year at UEA?
Understand and tackle the world’s global challenges with a degree that equips you with geographical and interdisciplinary skills to enact positive change. Start your degree with a foundation year that develops your knowledge, skills and confidence at university-level study.
Why choose UEA
- Study with the best: Our department is ranked 1st in the UK for Development Studies (THE REF 2021)
- Feel at home: Study in a close-knit community of students who care for people and planet
- Get ready to shine: Develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive environment where you’re treated as an individual
What is BA Geography and Global Development (with a Foundation Year) at UEA?
Now, more than ever, there’s a need for geographers with a truly global perspective. Global geography is essential for understanding major challenges such as social injustice, climate change, food security, and poverty. Our BA in Geography and Global Development (with a Foundation Year) equips you with the skills to think globally and work towards a just and sustainable future.
You’ll begin with a foundation year designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for success. You’ll have the opportunity to explore new areas of study in a supportive learning environment, with higher levels of individual support. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll be ideally placed to progress to year one of the full degree programme.
After completing the Foundation Year, you can choose to continue with our BA in Geography and Global Development, or explore another degree within the School of Global Development that fits your interests, including BA Global Development, BA Global Development with Economics, BA Politics, Economics and Global Development, or BSc Sustainable Development. You can also opt to include a Study Abroad Year or a Placement Year. You'll also have the option to transfer to BA Geography in the School of Environmental Sciences.
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Meet your course director
Adrian Martin’s research focussed on environmental justice, wellbeing, and sustainable governance.
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Development Work Placements
Gain hand-on experience through our various Development Work Placement options in the UK or oversees.
Careers
Career Pathways
After completing your degree in the School of Global Development, there are many career options including:
- Civil service: Roles in national or local government, including positions in diplomacy, community development, and planning
- International NGOs: Careers in the global development and humanitarian sectors
- Local or national charities: Positions focused on supporting positive social and environmental change
- Corporate sector: Opportunities with for-profit organisations, including consultancies and green technology companies
- Teaching and academia: Educating future generations or carrying out original academic research
Career Support
Employability and careers guidance are integrated throughout your degree. You’ll have access to professional skills workshops and volunteering opportunities, as well as chances to build professional networks through employability-focused events.
You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake either a short-term or long-term work placement in the UK or overseas. These options can be chosen after your Foundation Year, once you begin the degree you progress onto.
You’ll also benefit from UEA’s excellent Career Central service, which will support you throughout your studies and help ensure that, once you graduate, you’re well positioned to secure a role that suits your interests and goals.
After the Course
You’ll graduate with versatile knowledge and skills that are highly valued across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Our graduates are well equipped for careers in international organisations, government, consultancy firms, NGOs, and think tanks. Additionally, you’ll be well prepared to pursue advanced postgraduate study in global development, geography and other social science disciplines. You’ll also benefit from UEA’s careers service for up to three years after graduating, guiding you as you kick-start your graduate career.
Study and Modules
Structure
In the foundation year, you’ll explore contemporary global challenges facing the developing world (such as migration, food security, climate change, environmental injustice and population growth) and be introduced to the interdisciplinary subject of development studies. Throughout the academic year, you'll explore a new global challenge each week, building a strong understanding of these important issues.
You’ll also develop the study skills needed to succeed at university, growing as an independent learner, and gaining valuable experience in completing university-level assignments. Along the way, you'll receive individual support to help ensure you’re in the best possible position to succeed.
As part of your foundation year, you can take optional modules from the Schools of Politics, History, and Environmental Sciences, or study a language.
To find out more about your degree after the foundation year, explore our BA Geography and Global Development degree. You could also choose to transfer to our BA Global Development, BSc in Sustainable Development, BA Global Development with Economics, BA Politics, or Economics degrees. Alternatively, you have the opportunity to transfer to the BA Geography degree in the School of Environmental Sciences.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
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. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with 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. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
During the foundation year, you won’t feel like an anonymous student. Teaching takes place in small seminar groups rather than large lectures, creating an interactive and participatory learning environment that makes studying more engaging.
You’ll be taught by two experienced members of academic staff, alongside weekly guest lecturers who’ll share their specialist knowledge and perspectives. There is also a strong focus on individual support. You’ll meet regularly with academic advisors to help guide you with your studies and build your confidence with university-level learning.
If you’re neurodiverse or experience ongoing challenges that may affect your studies, we’ll ensure you receive the support you need so that you can succeed and achieve your full potential at university.
Assessment
During the Foundation Year, you’ll complete a range of different assignments designed to give you experience with varied forms of university-level assessment. Most of the work is coursework-based and includes essays, presentations, and infographic posters. You’ll also take a short exam, giving you the opportunity to experience this type of assessment in a supportive environment so you feel prepared for year one exams.
In the second semester, you’ll complete a longer project on a topic of your choice, guided step-by-step from the first week. Assessments are structured to support your development throughout the year, with shorter tasks helping to build the skills needed for larger assignments.
You’ll receive regular feedback from your lecturers and have opportunities to discuss your ideas with them individually. By the end of the year, you’ll have developed the skills and confidence needed to progress to year one, prepared to succeed with more independent study at university level.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Contextual offer: MMP
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4
Scottish Highers
BBCCC
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- English 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):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (with a minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Progression from a Foundation Year may also be dependent on meeting the prerequisite module requirements of the course you wish to progress to. Please note subsequent changes to study or course can affect your tuition fee liability and the amount you are required to pay.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreHow to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: