International Development (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time or flexible part-time. Students can complete a placement in the third year, making the course four years long.

The course will give an insight into the ways in which the individual disciplines of geography, sociology, politics and economics approach the study of developing countries, while demonstrating how multidisciplinary approach can deepen our knowledge of current development problems and the strategies to tackle them.

The emphasis of the course is on development themes such as economic growth, trade, aid, modernisation and urbanisation, together with detailed case studies drawn from specific countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.

Some of the main issues surrounding development relate directly to economics and politics, so these subjects can provide a very strong combination for those interested in the Third World. For those with an interest in economic development and the relationship between economic development and geography, Joint Honours students can combine International Development with Human Geography, Physical Geography, Sociology, and Economics.

Stage one

Students are introduced to many concepts in the field of development, together with empirical examples. Modules from the three strands of economics, geography and sociology/politics are taken.

Stage two

Students are able to specialise in particular aspects, with modules from each of the three streams available.

Stage three

Students are encouraged to combine and compare different types of analysis to provide a broad-based understanding of the debates. The dissertation provides a vehicle for students to research an appropriate topic of interest to them.

• Multi-disciplinary approach to study
• On graduation students are well prepared for careers in international charitable organisations or in multinational companies in developing countries. This subject is available as a single degree and Joint Honours degree.
• Combines well with many other Joint Honours subjects to provide an insight into global issues 
• In the Joint Honours programme students select two subjects as joint for year one. Students may continue with equal emphasis on two subjects as a joint degree in years two and three, or switch to a major/minor split. The degree title is derived from the two subjects. It is possible to study this subject as a single honours degree.
  

Click here for a detailed list of modules.

Typical modules include:

• Development Economics
• Geography and Development
• Globalisation and Development
• Political Economy of China
• Politics and Society in the Third World
• The Developing World

A range of assessment types are in use. These include exams and a variety of types of coursework.

Graduates go on to pursue careers in all branches of the professions where an understanding of the forces that drive modern societies and the international order holds the key to success: government, public administration, commerce, financial services and public relations. The basics which underpin this course are: economics, politics, sociology and geography - developing analytical and critical thinking skills valued by many employers.