3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) Global Development with Politics at UEA combines the study of politics with development, helping you understand the world’s biggest challenges like inequality, conflict, and sustainability. It’s perfect for students who want to make a real difference through informed policy-making and development work, both locally and globally.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
You’ll start with the essentials of global development and politics. Core modules like Big Questions for People and Planet, Shared Futures, and Perspectives on Global Development give you a solid grounding in development issues, organizations, and political perspectives. Optional modules such as Global Sustainable Development allow you to explore your specific interests.
Year 2:
In the second year, the focus moves to research skills, regional studies, and deeper political and development analysis. Key modules include Geographies of Global Development, Media, Communication and Social Change, and Culture and Power. You can also choose options like Economics for Development 2: Microeconomics or Ethnographic Methods to build expertise in specific areas.
Year 3:
The final year is all about specialization and practical experience. You’ll take core modules like Decolonial Knowledge Production, Just Transformations to Sustainability, and the Development Work Placement. Optional modules such as Globalisation and Economic Development or Migration and Development let you tailor the degree to your career goals. Work placements in countries such as Belgium, Tanzania, or Peru give you hands-on experience.
Focus Areas
Politics of development, sustainable development, global inequalities, social justice, environmental politics, international relations, decolonization.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the program, you’ll be able to critically analyze global development issues, understand political structures, carry out independent research, communicate complex ideas effectively, and gain practical experience through placements.
Professional Alignment
The program prepares you for careers in international development, policy analysis, and roles within NGOs and government organizations.
Reputation
UEA is ranked 1st in the UK for Development Studies (REF 2021) and 11th worldwide for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
At UEA, learning goes beyond the classroom. Students on the Global Development with Politics program gain hands-on experience through placements, field trips, and collaborative projects, preparing them for real-world careers in international development, policy-making, and NGOs. You’ll develop practical skills, see theory in action, and build a global perspective.
Here’s how you’ll get involved:
Development Work Placement: Take part in placements in the UK or overseas to experience development work and policy implementation firsthand.
Field Courses: Join residential field trips that let you apply classroom learning in real communities and environments.
International Study Opportunities: Spend a year abroad at a partner university, expanding your cultural understanding and global outlook.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams on community-based projects, sharpening your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Research Opportunities: Engage with research centers and institutes at UEA, contributing to ongoing global development studies.
All of this is supported by UEA’s modern facilities, including specialized labs, extensive libraries, and digital tools designed to enhance your learning experience.
Graduates from UEA’s Global Development with Politics program are ready to step into meaningful careers that make a real difference. Thanks to the mix of practical experiences—like internships, field trips, and collaborative projects—students leave with a deep understanding of global development challenges and political processes, plus the skills to tackle them effectively.
Typical Career Paths Include:
International Development Specialist – Working with NGOs or governments to design and implement development programs.
Policy Analyst – Researching and advising on policies that shape global development and international relations.
Humanitarian Aid Coordinator – Organizing and managing relief efforts in crisis-affected areas.
Advocacy and Campaign Manager – Leading campaigns focused on human rights, social justice, or environmental sustainability.
University Support to Boost Employability:
UEA Careers Service – Personalized guidance, CV workshops, and interview preparation.
Global Development Network – Connect with alumni and professionals working in development and policy.
Internship Opportunities – Access placements with NGOs, international organizations, and policy institutes.
Graduate Outcomes:
Around 95% of UEA graduates are employed or in further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Graduates typically enter roles with competitive salaries and clear pathways for career growth.
Industry Connections:
Partnerships with the United Nations, World Bank, Oxfam, Save the Children, and UK government departments provide opportunities for research, placements, and hands-on experience.
Accreditation & Recognition:
The degree is recognized by professional bodies and valued by employers worldwide, ensuring your qualification opens doors globally.
Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies with:
Master’s degrees in International Development, Public Policy, Political Science, or related fields.
PhD programs for those interested in research or academia.
Professional certifications in areas like project management or international relations.
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