BSc International Development

University of Reading

United Kingdom, Reading

University RankQS Ranking

173

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University of Reading

United Kingdom , Reading

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

L900

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850 / year

Next Intake September-2026

BSc International Development

About

Do you want to make a difference and understand how people and the planet are changing? Our BSc International Development course is a unique degree that offers expertise from across the University; you can specialise in the key areas that match your interests and work in careers with impact on a global scale.

Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

The study of international development has never been more relevant or important. Complex global problems affect all our lives, as the world experiences rapid and uneven change. More people are moving out of poverty but inequalities are also growing.

Through this course you will explore critical issues relating to poverty and unequal development, the sustainability of the planet’s resources, the politics of aid, and the future of our food systems. Optional modules from across the University allow you to tailor the course to your interests and preferred career path.

You will be taught by experts from departments across the University. In addition to social scientists in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, these include experts from Geography, Economics, Politics and Henley Business School. Many of our lecturers are members of the Global Development Division and research associates of the internationally renowned Walker Institute for Climate System Research and the Centre for Food Security.

Many students are keen volunteers and take part in the Reading Experience and Development (RED) Award scheme. You also have the opportunity to study a language as part of your course.

If you are interested in promoting causes related to international development it will definitely be worth joining the International Development society. Run by our students, it's a place to discuss issues, watch documentaries and actually put your ideas into practise.

Placement and study opportunities

Our mini-placement module enables you to gain first-hand experience in the workplace and improve your networking skills.

Alternatively, you could undertake a placement year between your second and final year with our four-year BSc International Development with Placement Year course.

You could spend this year at an aid agency, charity, non-governmental organisation or relevant government department at home or abroad. The placement year provides first-hand experience in these fields, as well as transferable skills that provide a competitive advantage in your future career.

You are also encouraged to consider a study abroad experience. The University has a wide range of exchange partners in Europe and across the world in Australia, Canada and the USA (subject to availability).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

ABB

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDD

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

English Program Requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Career

This degree provides an excellent starting point for careers in international development. The combination of natural and social sciences, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and experience of challenges in international development is highly relevant to careers in business, charities, aid agencies, government departments, and research institutions.

For those working in the international development sector it is typical to build up a portfolio of work experience and volunteering in the UK and overseas, in order to enhance your employability and career options. We therefore encourage students to engage with a range of opportunities at the University, such as the Undergraduate Research Programme scheme (UROP), student volunteering and placements. You can also write your research dissertation based on a real world practical or policy issue.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 25,850

Application Fee

GBP

How to Apply

You can apply online for all of our courses, including courses with an Integrated Foundation Year, via the national admissions service, UCAS. You can choose to apply for up to five courses in total, including more than one course at the same institution.

1. Find a course

Browse our undergraduate courses and identify which ones you'd like to apply for. Make sure to check your course's entry requirements before you apply.

2. Begin your application

Our UCAS code is R12. The University does not have a campus code.

3. Write your personal statement

As part of your application, you'll be asked to submit a personal statement to support your application. This is your opportunity to tell us more about why you want to study the course and what interests, skills and experience you have that demonstrate your passion for the subject.

4. Submit your application

When you're happy with your application and have added the required information such as qualifications, personal statement and reference, you can submit your application.

A small charge is made by UCAS for applying to university. The application fee for 2024 entry is £27.50 for up to five choices.

Make sure to check the UCAS website for the most up-to-date application deadlines. If you have missed the January deadline, there is still the opportunity to apply (via UCAS), and we are happy to consider late applications until 30 June 2024 (all applications received after 30 June are entered into Clearing). Please be aware that some of our courses may be full after the January UCAS deadline, so we recommend early applications where possible.