Global Development with Year Abroad BA (Hons)

Are you passionate about confronting inequality? Tackling injustice? And solving global challenges? From COVID-19 to the climate crisis, the world is constantly changing. And we believe it’s not just one person’s agenda – it’s a global issue that requires a global response.

Discover cutting edge ideas and practices as you prepare to confront our changing world. You’ll debate development theory, explore evidence-based responses to major world issues, and learn the interdisciplinary tools you need to create positive change.

International immersion

You could study Global Development anywhere. But here we offer an exciting range of UK and overseas fieldwork, such as studying sustainable development in Malta. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to intern as a researcher with London International Development Centre, working at the forefront of international development.

You’ll be taught by academics who’ve made a real impact in their fields of research, covering international migration, urban water and gender-based violence, and much more. We also welcome expert global development guest speakers to inspire your own research, such as Professor Maristella Svampa from Argentina who is the leading scholar on global extractivist industries.

With a broadened perspective of world events, you could build a career working to assist those affected by conflict, disasters and poverty. Or perhaps you’ll be keen to make waves in policy development, human rights, environmental action or conflict resolution.

Graduates from our Global Development programme will also be well equipped with a number of transferrable and sought after skills which will prepare them for careers in a wide range of sectors. 

We expect students to progress into a wide range of careers including: development consultancy; NGOs and development agencies; and project management in the public and third sector.

Recent graduates from the School of Geography have gone on to roles with:

• The BBC
• The Citizens Foundation (TCF)
• Solar Impulse Foundation
• The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Deloitte

Internship opportunity

This programme also offers students the opportunity to undertake an unpaid internship with London International Development Centre (LIDC) while studying. Places are competitive and numbers of interns LIDC can accept each year may vary.

Career support

Global Development students benefit from dedicated careers support, including lectures and tutorials on career choice, getting work experience and presenting degree skills to an employer at interview. We also run an annual career options event with graduate speakers.

Find out more about how we have integrated careers support into all of degree programmes to help you to maximise your potential and achieve your ambitions.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

• specialist advice on choosing a career path
• support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
• feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
• interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.