4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The BA (Hons) Global Development with Politics with a Placement Year at the University of East Anglia (UEA) offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global challenges. This program is ideal for students passionate about addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and conflict, while exploring the political structures that influence these global phenomena.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Foundations of Global Development and Politics
In your first year, you'll delve into the core concepts of global development and political systems. Modules like Understanding Politics Today and Power, (Dis)Order & Security: Understanding Global Politics 1 will introduce you to the complexities of political structures and global interactions. Additionally, Rights & Wrongs: An Introduction to Social and Political Theory will provide a philosophical foundation for analyzing justice and human rights on a global scale.
Year 2: Advanced Analysis and Research Methods
The second year builds upon foundational knowledge, focusing on analytical skills and research methodologies. Analysing International Relations: From Realism to Postcolonialism explores various theoretical frameworks in international relations. Introduction to Data Analysis for Politics and International Relations equips you with essential quantitative skills, while States, Institutions and Citizens examines the dynamics between political entities and their citizens. This year also offers a range of optional modules, allowing you to tailor your studies to specific interests.
Year 3: Placement Year
During your third year, you'll have the opportunity to engage in a full-time development placement, gaining practical experience in the field. This immersive experience enhances your global perspective and academic growth, providing valuable insights into real-world applications of your studies.
Year 4: Specialization and Dissertation
In your final year, you'll specialize in areas of particular interest through advanced modules such as Politics and Popular Culture and Better Worlds? Utopias and Dystopias. The culmination of your studies is the dissertation or research project, where you'll conduct in-depth research on a topic of your choice, demonstrating your expertise and critical thinking skills.
Focus Areas
Global development, political systems, international relations, social justice, conflict resolution, research methodologies, and cultural perspectives.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates will develop a comprehensive understanding of global development issues, political structures, and international relations. They will possess strong analytical, research, and communication skills, enabling them to critically assess global challenges and contribute to meaningful solutions.
Professional Alignment
This program is designed to align with professional standards in the fields of international development and political science. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in various sectors, including NGOs, government agencies, international organizations, and academia.
Reputation
UEA is renowned for its excellence in global development studies, consistently ranking among the top institutions in the UK. The university's commitment to research and teaching ensures that students receive a high-quality education that is both academically rigorous and globally relevant.
At UEA, the BA (Hons) Global Development with Politics with a Placement Year is designed to give you more than just classroom knowledge—you’ll gain real-world experience that prepares you for a career in global development and politics. From the start, you’ll be involved in hands-on learning, research projects, and opportunities that allow you to apply what you study in meaningful ways.
Here’s how the program brings your learning to life:
Placement Year: Spend 9–12 months in a full-time placement with an NGO, government agency, or international organization, putting theory into practice and building professional experience.
CareerCentral Support: Access guidance on CV writing, applications, and interview preparation to help you secure the right placement or job.
Study Abroad Options: Enhance your global perspective by studying at one of UEA’s partner universities, gaining international exposure and cultural insights.
Research Centers: Use dedicated research facilities to work on independent or guided projects, developing strong analytical and research skills.
Collaborative Projects: Work in teams on projects that mimic real-world challenges, sharpening your teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Field Trips & Site Visits: Experience first-hand how development and political initiatives operate in real-world contexts.
Specialized Software & Tools: Learn to use industry-standard tools for data analysis, research, and project management.
These experiences are carefully designed to complement your studies, giving you the confidence, skills, and insights needed to step straight into a meaningful career or further study in international development and politics.
Graduates of the BA Global Development with Politics with a Placement Year leave UEA ready to make a real difference in global development and political arenas. The program combines practical experience with strong academic foundations, preparing students for a variety of impactful roles:
Policy Analyst,
International Development Officer,
Political Campaign Strategist,
Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator,
This means you’ll be equipped to influence policy, support communities worldwide, and contribute to meaningful change.
How UEA Supports Your Career:
Placement Opportunities: The program includes two work placements, giving you hands-on experience and the chance to build professional networks.
Employability Services: UEA helps connect students with local, national, and global employers and offers guidance for securing paid work.
Industry Partnerships: Work on real-world projects and research collaborations with organizations tackling global challenges.
Accreditation & Reputation: Being part of UEA’s renowned School of Global Development adds credibility to your degree and helps your CV stand out.
Graduation Outcomes: 81% of UEA graduates are in professional work or further study within 15 months of graduating.
Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this degree, you can take your learning further with postgraduate studies in fields like International Development, Public Policy, or Political Science—either at UEA or other universities—specializing in the areas that interest you most.
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