BA (Hons) Global Development with Politics with a Placement Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L29P
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Have you ever wondered why our world is so unequal? Why some people, some groups, some countries are worse off than others? Have you ever thought about where power really lies in our societies? And what role governments, international organisations, transnational corporations, NGOs, civil society or ordinary people can play in influencing social change? Is democracy in crisis? How do we prevent war? How do we address human rights abuses? Learn to tackle these big questions – and many more – in our BA Global Development with Politics with a Placement Year.
Our innovative course combines a strong interdisciplinary foundation with a specialist political lens in the study of global development. You’ll take core modules that seek to understand critical contemporary issues from a political perspective – including poverty, inequality, democracy, conflict, and peace – focusing specifically on how development processes are shaped by key political organisations and the power relationships between them. You’ll also obtain practical skills in research and data analysis that will develop you into a well-rounded social researcher with a range of skills that are attractive to employers.
In addition to this political focus, you’ll gain a broad grounding in the key issues, organisations and practices of development, fusing insights from politics with those from across the social sciences, including economics, environmental sciences, geography, media, and anthropology. You can develop your understanding of particular regions in the world, and you can pursue your interests as they emerge. In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a Placement Year. The result is an extremely flexible degree programme that you can tailor to suit your particular interests.
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. As such, you’ll not only learn from our world-renowned political experts within the School, but you can benefit from a truly vibrant academic environment.
Here at UEA, we’re amongst the best in the world for researching, teaching, and practicing development, and our students go on to work in a variety of careers in development, and beyond. Come and study with us and help to create a fairer world.
Placement Year
You’ll spend 9-12 months in a full-time development placement in your third year before returning to your studies in the final year. This placement will allow you to gain invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’re expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from academic staff and the Careers Service. Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement, as this decision rests with potential employers. If you’ve not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year, you’ll be transferred onto one of the three-year programmes.
Study and Modules
Structure
In year one, you’ll take a variety of assessments including essays, exams and presentations. Exactly what assessments you undertake 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.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)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
When you join us, 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 bringing their experiences directly into the classroom. In your first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars and independent study. Lectures are led in a large group setting by academic experts, and seminars are conducted in smaller groups to 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 take a variety of assessments including essays, exams and presentations. Exactly what assessments you undertake 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 advance your knowledge of the politics of development and develop your research skills for the study of global development, whilst broadening your understanding of the subject through optional regional, thematic, or disciplinary modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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, you’ll learn through the same core activities as in year one, whilst also engaging in 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, the exact mix of which will depend on the optional modules you choose.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and get hands-on professional experience through a 9-12 month work placement in a development organisation, before returning to UEA for your final year. This placement will allow you to gain invaluable work experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You’re expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from academic staff and the Careers Service.
Compulsory Modules
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 learn through practical experience with your placement organisation.
Assessment
During your placement year, you’ll not take any assessments 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. This year also places greater emphasis on employability and independent study. You’ll also have the opportunity to choose our dissertation option, enabling you to engage in independent research around your own particular interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)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, you’ll continue to learn through lectures, seminars and practical work. You’ll have the option to research and write a dissertation which is a large individual project that requires you to exercise the independent learning skills that you’ll have developed over your time.
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.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a vast range of organisations related to global development and many of our graduates go on to work in this sector. These include government agencies, the United Nations, private sector companies, consultancy firms, and the many hundreds of large and small non-government organisations that focus on development and humanitarian work.
Alternatively, you could use the academic and transferable skills gained from our degrees for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, education, and academia.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- International organisations
- Governments
- Non-governmental organisations
- Activism and campaigning
- Private Sector
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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 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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual: DMM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Contextual: DD plus C at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
Contextual: D plus BC at A level.
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 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
Any subject is acceptable.
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
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC 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.
- 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 C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A level.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A level.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA 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, INTO UEA 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.
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
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
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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: