Graduate Diploma in Global Development at The Open University UK

The Global Development at The Open University UK is a Graduate Diploma program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered online at the Distance learning campus in Milton Keynes , United Kingdom, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on February 1, 2027.

About Graduate Diploma in Global Development

This postgraduate diploma provides an advanced grounding in the key theories, approaches and issues that are shaping contemporary global development. Drawing on important social science ideas, it introduces a conceptual framework for making sense of development and employs this in examining six major issues: migration, socio-economic security, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, the global politics of development, and the politics of doing development. Youâ€™ll also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the issue or issues of most interest to you by exploring them through four cross-cutting challenges: conflict, governance, justice, and transformation. The diploma therefore enables you to identify and pursue your own interests in development while also enhancing your skills of critical thinking and independent learning and investigation.

Key features of the course

Explore the global context and nature of contemporary development issues.
Gain an understanding of key concepts for critically examining development theories, approaches and issues.
Study with cutting-edge course materials that draw on the internationally recognised development teaching and research of our academics.
Tailor your learning around development issues of particular interest to you
Build essential skills for a career in development and related areas.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

Knowledge and understanding
Cognitive skills
Practical and professional skills
Key skills

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Diploma in Global Development at The Open University UK

Entry Requirements

We recommend that you hold a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working in a development-related agency (international or local), in either a paid or voluntary capacity, prior to starting this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details. If youâ€™re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.

If you are not sure about your suitability to study this qualification, please contact us for advice before registering.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6

Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Diploma in Global Development

Career relevance

Development scholars and practitioners are highly employable social scientists. They go on to a wide range of destinations after graduation, including:

Development managers
Aid workers
Government policy makers
Development consultants
Business managers
Environmental consultants
Data analysis and visualisation using development techniques
Transport planners
Commercial analysts
Financial services
Field centre instructors
Teachers

In addition, a significant number of postgraduate students choose to register for doctoral studies in a variety of specialised areas.

Fee Information

How to Apply

Choose your qualification.
Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
Register for your module online.
Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

When to apply

Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.

Choose your qualification.
Select your first module and review the entry requirements.
Register for your module online.
Pay – see fees and funding for your available options.
Send evidence to us to confirm you meet the entry requirements.

When to apply

Registration is now open for the academic year ending July 2023.
Closing dates vary depending on the modules you choose.

To ensure you have everything in place ready to start your course, please check the module descriptions – there may be preparatory work you need to submit before your module starts.

Graduate Diploma in Global Development at The Open University UK

The Open University UK

United Kingdom, Milton Keynes