BA (Hons) Media and International Development with Overseas Placement
Course options
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- L9PO
- Entry Requirements
- ABB
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2023
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Why you should choose us
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Course Overview
Do Facebook and Twitter facilitate citizens’ engagement with politics, or do they undermine genuine political participation? Ultimately, how can we understand the role of the media in shaping social change?
Learn to tackle these big questions – and many more – in our BA Media and International Development with Overseas Placement.
Our BA Media and International Development with Overseas Placement is ranked in the top 20 for Media and Film Studies by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
This innovative course combines a strong interdisciplinary foundation with a specialist media lens in the study of global development. You’ll take core modules that seek to understand critical contemporary issues through the lens of media and communication – including poverty, inequality, migration, democracy and protest – focusing specifically on the complex relationship between media, communication and development. You will also gain practical experience in media production in your final year, learning key skills – from planning, interview techniques, camera work, lighting, sound recording and editing – culminating in the production of a short film or documentary.
In addition to this media focus, you’ll gain a broad grounding in the key issues, organisations and practices of development, fusing insights from media and communication with those from across the social sciences, including economics, environmental sciences, geography, anthropology, and politics. You can develop your understanding of particular regions in the world, through area modules relating to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Latin America, and you can pursue your emerging interests in other aspects and perspectives of development.
The result is an extremely flexible degree programme that you can tailor to suit your particular interests, and that allows you to combine an interdisciplinary foundation with your niche specialism.
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 International Development. As such, you will not only learn from our world-renowned media experts within the school, but you can benefit from a truly vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.
We are amongst the best in the world for researching, teaching, and practicing development. Come and study with us and help us to create a fairer world.
In our overseas placement option, you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and to get hands-on professional experience through the Development Work Placement module. In your third year, you’ll spend between two and six months working with an organisation of your choice, learning how development works in practice. Past students have worked with BBC Africa in Kenya, WaterAid in Ethiopia, the Friends of the National Parks Foundation in Bali, and the British Red Cross in London. During your placement you will gain valuable insights and practical experience in a different country and culture, alongside important transferable skills that are attractive to employers.
Study and Modules
Structure
The core modules of your first year will provide you with a strong grounding in the study of development, and will introduce you to contemporary debates within media studies. In the module – Humanitarian Communication – you will learn how journalists and global development organisations communicate through the media, and you will hear from leading practitioners working in the field. You will also have the opportunity to extend your understanding of broader social, economic, political geographical, and cultural perspectives in development.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)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 come to the School, 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. 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 in the School. Independent study is a key element of learning on all the School’s degrees and you will be supported to learn how to do this effectively through your first year.
Assessment
Throughout your course, you’ll be assessed across a combination of coursework and written exams.
In your first year, you will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a combination of assessments. This might be an essay, a group presentation, a project, or an exam – depending on which modules you choose. You will also benefit from the opportunity to test the knowledge you have acquired through a range of ‘formative’ assessments, and receive written feedback from your lecturers.
Structure
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C 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
Assessment
In your second year, you’ll again be assessed by a combination of coursework and written exams. You will have the opportunity to prepare for these assessments through various formative assignments. You will also get personal feedback on each piece of coursework you submit to help you improve your future submissions.
BEGINNERS' LANGUAGE MODULES
You can select from a wide range of language modules. For more information, and for a full list of available module options, please visit our Language Options page.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B 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.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB - If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- 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.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- 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 (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
INTO University of East Anglia
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:
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- 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.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
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.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as:
BA Geography and International Development with a Foundation Year
BA International Development with a Foundation Year
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
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 Pharmacy Health and Life Science (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in International Development with Media (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
Alternative Entry Requirements
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your 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
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:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a vast range of organisations related to global development. 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.
Many of our alumni have also gone to work in the media, in marketing, journalism, advocacy and fundraising. Recent graduates have become freelance film-makers, photographers and travel writers and even set up their own production companies.
You could pursue numerous career paths combining both media and global development such as charity fundraising, media freedom advocacy, humanitarian communication and media support.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Career destinations related to your degree include:
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Charities and NGOs
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Development journalism
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International organisations
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Media organisations
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Marketing and communications
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Travel writer