Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Global Development with Economics with a Year Abroad
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L2LA
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBB
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
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 2020Course Overview
Our world is facing immense challenges, from climate change to political polarisation and a widening gap between the haves and the have-nots. On our BA in Global Development with Economics with a Year Abroad, you'll explore big questions like: Why are some countries richer than others? Who wins and who loses from globalisation? And which is more effective at reducing poverty—aid or trade?
This innovative course blends a strong interdisciplinary foundation with a specialist economics lens. You’ll study contemporary issues from an economics perspective – including poverty, exclusion, deprivation, foreign aid, the environment, trade, and globalisation. You’ll examine the root causes of economic and social inequality and explore the policies and processes that can help reduce them. You’ll develop practical skills in economic methods and statistics, master data analysis techniques, and gain hands-on experience with specialist statistical software.
This dynamic course provides a broad foundation in key development issues, organisations, and practices, combining economic insights with perspectives from across the social sciences - including anthropology, environmental sciences, geography, media, and politics. You'll explore different world regions and have the flexibility to tailor your studies to your evolving interests. In your third year, you’ll also have the exciting opportunity to study at one of our many partner universities around the world. In recent years students have gone to universities in Ghana, Mexico, Japan, and Australia, amongst many others.
By studying with us, you’ll join our close-knit academic community, made up of experts from across multiple disciplines, all housed within the School of Global Development. Collectively our research on Global Development is ranked 1st in the UK (REF 2021).
After graduation, you'll be well equipped for a rewarding career in development and beyond. Our graduates go on to work in government departments, universities, think tanks, consultancy firms, as well as local and national charities.
Year Abroad
You’ll spend your third year studying at one of our partner institutions around the world before returning to UEA for your final year. This option allows you to explore development from a completely different perspective and study modules and topics you’d not otherwise have access to. We currently have a wide range of partner universities across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand that you can choose from. Your time abroad will provide you with invaluable experience that can be extremely attractive to employers.
For further details, visit our study abroad section of our website.
Study and Modules
Structure
The core modules of your first year will provide you with a strong grounding in the study of development, before being introduced to key development economics theories and the economic dimensions of the most important development challenges. You’ll also have the opportunity to extend your understanding of broader social, cultural, political, and geographical perspectives.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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
You’ll join a close-knit community where you can share your passion for creating a fairer planet with staff and students from around the world. Our teaching staff are actively researching real-world issues and bring their experiences directly into the classroom. In your first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars and independent study. In your lectures our expert academics set out the state-of-the-art in their field; seminars are conducted in smaller groups that will allow you to engage in in-depth discussion with our academics and other students. Independent study is a key element of learning on all our degrees, and you'll be supported to learn how to do this effectively through your first year.
Assessment
In year one, you’ll submit a variety of assessments including essays, exams, and presentations. Exactly what assessments you submit will depend on the optional modules you select. In your first year and throughout your degree, you’ll get feedback on your assessments to help you develop your skills and improve your work.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll be introduced to the basic principles of both macroeconomics and microeconomics, combining theory and evidence to understand economic policy issues. You’ll also gain practical quantitative research skills, engaging with modern statistical software to analyse and present empirical data and statistical trends. You’ll also broaden your understanding of global development through optional regional, thematic, and disciplinary modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max 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
In year two, these approaches are supplemented by opportunities for more applied learning. We offer a range of methods modules that allow you to gain experience of conducting your own research projects in the second year of your degree. There are also a variety of field trips and courses offered on modules in year two.
Assessment
In year two, you’ll continue to undertake a variety of assessments. Your increasing choice of optional modules can allow you to experience a wider range of assessment types.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year studying at one of our partner universities before returning to UEA for your final year.
Compulsory Modules
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
You’ll study abroad at one of our partner universities, engaging with the approaches to teaching and learning that are used at your chosen university.
Assessment
In your study abroad year, your learning will be assessed at the university you choose to go to. The assessments may vary from the ones you normally undertake at UEA.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to choose from a range of more specialised modules, allowing you to deepen your understanding of critical development issues in a flexible manner, and understand current debates about the role of globalisation in economic development. This year also places greater emphasis on employability and independent study. You’ll also have the option of writing a dissertation, enabling you to engage in independent research around your own particular interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 80, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max 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
In your final year, the options for more applied learning broaden further and give increased scope for flexible and personalised study. You’ll have the option to research and write a dissertation, a large individual project that requires you to exercise the independent learning skills that you'll have developed over your first two years.
Assessment
In year four, you’ll have the option to write a dissertation, alongside taking other assessments. The dissertation is a large project that assesses your ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation is optional, and you can choose to take other modules with other assessments should you wish.
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Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a wide range of organisations related to global development and many of our graduates go on to work in this sector. These organisations include government agencies, the United Nations, private sector companies, and the many hundreds of large and small non-government organisations that focus on development and humanitarian work.
Alternatively, you can use the academic and transferable skills gained from our degrees for a career in business, the voluntary and public sector, education, and academia.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Multilateral organisations
- British Government, including in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Department for Health and the Department for Communities
- Local Government
- NGOs
- Universities
- Consultancy firms
Discover more on our Careers webpages and in our Life after DEV brochure.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International 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 C or grade 4.
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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3.
Contextual offer: Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3.
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Global Development with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International 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 C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers 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.
- 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):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies 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.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- 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.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
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 for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your year abroad. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee webpage.
Extra costs, related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year abroad, will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How 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: