Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMA Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Arts
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Other Start Dates
Scroll For More
Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why is it so difficult to solve global problems like climate change? Is globalisation driving inequality, or does the expansion of international trade provide opportunities for developing countries? Does globalisation call for a radical overhaul of existing institutions?
If these are the sort of questions that fascinate you, our MA in Globalisation, Business and Sustainable Development programme is for you. This dynamic course equips you with the tools to critically analyse globalisation and its impact on international development.
Globalisation is a defining force in today’s world, and its impact on international development continues to spark vigorous debate. On this course, you’ll explore major development concepts through a sustainability lens, examining environmental, economic, and social outcomes. You’ll also analyse resistance to globalisation and how this has played out in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
At UEA, our acclaimed MA programme takes a distinctive interdisciplinary approach, blending insights from economics, politics, sociology, and environmental studies to examine the multifaceted impacts of globalisation. You’ll learn from leading academics in the School of Global Development—ranked 1st in the UK for development studies research (THE REF Analysis 2021)—and engage in contemporary debates that shape today’s global development landscape. This dynamic environment will empower you to form and refine your own informed perspective.
Upon graduation, you’ll have gained comprehensive knowledge in the field of globalisation, business, and sustainable development. Many of our alumni have secured rewarding roles in international governmental and non-governmental organisations, local governments, charities, NGOs, social enterprises, as well as private sector consultancies and think tanks.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll explore how global production is structured and the roles of the state, business, and civil society, as well as the interactions between them. The course focuses on key business factors and looks in depth at issues of resource extraction in developing countries. You’ll also study various aspects of corporate social responsibility, including relationships with local communities and workers, alongside the environmental and human rights impacts.
Globalisation is the increasingly interconnected nature of social life on our planet, often called ‘the most important change in human history.’ The course encourages you to critically engage with key debates surrounding globalisation, including its driving forces and its effects on economic development, poverty and inequality, conflict, and the environment.
Later in the course, you’ll engage in either a dissertation or a work placement. You’ll have the flexibility to select your own dissertation topic (with approval), allowing you to concentrate on a specific area of globalisation, business, and sustainable development that interests you. Alternatively, you can opt for a relevant work placement (subject to approval) and complete an analytical report based on your experience.
Throughout your Master’s programme, you’ll have access to a variety of engaging optional seminars and workshops. Ongoing support sessions, especially focused on essay and dissertation writing, run throughout the year. You’ll also receive training in development practice to enhance your skills further.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional C 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
Teaching
Teaching methods include mainly lectures and seminars. Your lectures go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g. through statistical programs). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll also be able to develop transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting academic information in a clear and cogent manner.
Independent study
You’ll read suggested academic articles and books, submitting assignments as specified for each module. Your independent study will give you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments and concentrate on the areas that interest you most.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays, exams and an optional work placement or dissertation. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which will help you develop skills in articulating an argument orally.
You’ll be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of essay deadlines, and to discuss these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours or via email. In addition, you’ll typically receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial coursework assignment well in advance of your deadline for the main coursework.
Finally, the dissertation or analytical work experience report enables you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary and secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.
)
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MA, you can pursue a variety of potential careers both in and beyond global development.
Previous graduates from the School of Global Development have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, British Civil Service, CARE International, European Union, Overseas Development Institute, Oxfam, Save the Children International, UNITAR in Japan, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF and WaterAid.
Depending on your degree outcome, you'll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- International governmental and non-governmental organisations
- Local governments
- Charities, NGOs and social enterprises
- Private sector, consultancy organisations and think tanks
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.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate 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.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- 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 each component).
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 meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner UEA International Study Centre. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
-
UK Students: £11,400
-
International Students: £23,850
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link 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
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.