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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Politics, Economics and Global Development with a Placement Year
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- _L29P
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- 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 2020Course Overview
Why BA Politics, Economics and Global Development with a Placement Year at UEA?
Tackle today’s biggest global challenges, including inequality, climate change and conflict with this innovative new degree, Politics, Economics and Development with a Placement Year. Designed for ambitious students with an eye on impact, it combines rigorous academic training with practical, career-ready skills.
Why choose UEA
- Interdisciplinary training: Equip yourself with the interdisciplinary tools from politics and economics to understand how power, markets and institutions shape people’s lives
- Highly topical: Study how governments make decisions, why some countries develop faster than others and the basis for fairer and more sustainable societies
- Real world analysis: Gain hands-on experience analysing real data and evaluating policies used by governments and international organisations
What is Politics, Economics and Global Development?
Politics, Economics and Global Development is a new interdisciplinary degree programme that gives you the flexibility to shape your studies around your interests and career ambitions. You can specialise in areas including public policy and governance, economic growth and inequality, global development and sustainability.
Working alongside research-active lecturers, you'll explore contemporary case studies from across the world, from North America to Africa. Through policy briefs, simulations, research projects and independent study, you'll turn complex ideas and evidence into clear, persuasive arguments.
Based in UEA’s prestigious School of Global Development, ranked first in the UK for Development Studies (THE REF 2021), this degree places you at the heart of excellence in global scholarship.
With a strong focus on employability, graduates develop highly transferable skills in research, data analysis, critical thinking and professional communication.
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Development Work Placements
Gain hand-on experience through our various Development Work Placement options in the UK or oversees.
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A Career in Development
Learn more about where a degree in global development can take you
Placement Year
You'll spend your third year completing an 8-12 month work placement, either at home or abroad. This opportunity allows you to gain valuable work experience, specialising in an area of choice, and making your CV very attractive for future employment. You’re expected to take the initiative and source the placement yourself, but support is available from academic staff and the Career Central.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA Politics, Economics and Development with a Year Abroad, you'll have an impressive interdisciplinary skill set needed by a range of organisations. You'll be attractive to employers across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors both at home and abroad.
- Government and public sector: Civil service, government departments, local agencies, overseas aid organisations and regional planning offices
- Private sector: Companies, businesses and consultancy firms
- NGO sector: Local, national and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) working in diverse areas including development, human rights and humanitarian intervention
- Academic research and policy advocacy: Universities, think tanks and research institutes
- International institutions: World Bank, United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labour Organization, and so on
Career Support
Employability and careers guidance are embedded throughout the degree. For example, you'll have access to professional skills workshops and volunteering opportunities and will be able to build professional networks through employability related events. You'll also be given the exciting opportunity to undertake a work placement in the UK or abroad. You can also choose to do a placement year, even if you don’t select it initially at the time of your application.
Discover more on our Careers webpages
After the Course
You'll graduate with transferable knowledge and skills valued across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Graduates are well prepared for careers in international organisations, government, consultancy firms, NGOs, and think tanks, or for further study in areas such as law or public policy. You'll also be in an excellent position to undertake higher postgraduate study in global development with politics, economics, or other social science subjects.
Study and Modules
Structure
The core modules in your first year will provide you with a strong and balanced grounding in the study of global politics, economics, and development. You'll build a solid foundation in key political, economic, and development theories, concepts, and analytical tools. You'll be introduced to major global actors and institutions, including states, markets, corporations, donors, NGOs and social movements. By the end of year one, you'll have a strong understanding of the major political and economic issues facing the world today, from the rise of techno-authoritarianism to shifting patterns of aid, multilateral cooperation, human migration, conflict, and environmental catastrophes.
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.
Structure
In your second year, you'll deepen your knowledge of the interplay between political, economic and social forces shaping the contemporary world. You'll explore how individual behaviours, cultural norms and structural contexts intersect to influence patterns of power, inequality, and social change across different societies.
Through core modules, you'll strengthen your social science research skills. You’ll learn how to design surveys and conduct interviews and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative methods. You'll have options to specialise in a wide range of critical areas (from gender, to media, and global political economy) and regions (across the Global North and South) building your degree pathway in the manner best aligned with your interests.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max 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.
Structure
In your third year you'll put into practice your knowledge from the classroom, working as a professional intern for a placement of a minimum of eight months. You’ll develop your skill set, networks, and knowledge of the world of work, helping to kick-start your career once you graduate.
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.
Structure
In your final year, you'll bring together and build upon the analytical, theoretical and research skills developed throughout the degree to engage in advanced study of some of the most pressing global challenges, including wars, humanitarian crises and the inequities of globalisation.
You'll choose from a range of advanced modules. You’ll develop independent and critical thinking on challenging themes, including digital politics, decolonial knowledge production, and just transformations to sustainability. This final year places a strong emphasis on employability and independent study, by giving you the opportunity to do a development work placement and write a dissertation on a topic you’re passionate about.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max 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, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Our teaching staff are actively researching real-world issues, bringing their research into the classroom. They’re experienced in interdisciplinary research and teaching, combining their disciplinary expertise with insights from other disciplines. Each module is typically taught by small teaching teams, enabling a more interesting and varied experience of learning.
In the first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars, independent study, and group work. Both lectures and seminars are highly interactive and dialogue-oriented, pushing the boundaries of active learning with classroom debates, role play, and commenting on videos, amongst other techniques.
The second year builds on the interactive teaching methods of year one, with more emphasis on applied and reflexive learning. You'll receive methodological training through a range of cutting-edge methods modules that will hone qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods skills, allowing you the option to specialise in any of these areas.
In the final year, lectures will be combined with more student-led discussions of key topics and readings, with greater emphasis on independent learning and presentation. You'll have the option of doing a work placement with an organisation of your choice (either at home, or overseas) or writing a dissertation through an independent research project.
Assessment
Our assessment techniques are varied, combining a range of different types of methods. We provide detailed feedback on your work to help you improve and achieve stronger results in your final assessments.
In year one, you'll have a variety of assessments including essays, classroom and online tests and group presentations, depending on the modules that you choose. We organise peer-based discussions to allow you to discuss your ideas with one another, before receiving feedback from your lecturers.
While continuing with the assessment methods of year one, in the second year you'll be introduced to some new assessment types such as case study and policy briefs, and annotated bibliographies. We’ll sometimes ask you to explain the methods followed in developing an argument through a reflective essay.
In your final year, you can choose to write a dissertation on a topic through independent research. You can choose to elect different modules with other forms of assessments like essay-based coursework, module tests, and examinations.
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(opens in a new window) 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
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
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.
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 Merit.
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 (opens in a new window)
- 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
A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
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.
- 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(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- 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(opens in a new window) 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):
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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(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.
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:
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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.
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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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: