Explore how we can build a sustainable global future that leaves no one behind. Develop a broad-based social science approach with a grounding in economics.

This course allows you to study some of the most important challenges facing our changing world – poverty, inequality, climate change, conflict and migration.

By focusing on policy and practice, you’ll explore these at local, national and international levels.

You’ll analyse them using a multidisciplinary approach, paying close attention to political and economic factors and impacts, as well as sociological and anthropological considerations.

This combination is designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the increasingly complex global challenges we face, and the skills to tackle these and succeed in a range of different career paths.

In Year 1, you'll study international development from a range of social science perspectives, while building your skills in qualitative and quantitative research. You will also develop your knowledge of economic principles and applications.

During Year 2, you'll deepen your understanding of development economics and other methods used to explore international development. You'll also further your knowledge of the economic, social and political dimensions of diverse global and local challenges.

In your final year, you’ll complete your dissertation. During this, you’ll explore a global, national or local problem in international development through multi-disciplinary or economic analysis. You’ll also study a range of optional units from within the fields of international development and economics. This is an opportunity to explore topics that interest you and prepare for your future career.

Category B

If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:

• IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
• IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
• TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
• TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
• The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
• The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
• Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 140, Conversation 125, Production 110
• Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Speaking 120, Writing 130, Reading 120, Listening 115
• LanguageCert Academic SELT or LanguageCert Academic (Test Centre or Online): C1 Expert Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
• SFE Skill for English (SELT) test: C1 Pass overall and in all four components

See the full list of accepted English qualifications.

Develop your professional skills

We work to provide you with the tools and support to prepare you for employment and further study. These include:

• critical and analytical thinking by using structured arguments using evidence
• research skills
• time management
• team working skills