Global Development BA (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- UCAS Code(s): L800
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement, four to six years part-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time (day) / Sandwich
- Campus: Clifton Campus
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Entry Requirements:
More information
Introduction:
Want to help build a more sustainable and just world for all? Challenge the status quo. Lead the change.
This is a unique course that combines multiple disciplines and perspectives to explore the past, present and future of global challenges, putting the human experience at the centre of sustainable development challenges. The course combines the analytical, nuanced and empathic nature of the humanities disciplines with the urgent need for meaningful and innovative solutions to global crises. Students’ futures are at the heart of what we do, and this course will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become leaders, innovators and agents of change in a range of professional fields.
With live projects, guest speakers, field trips, collaborations, simulations, volunteering and placements, you will put classroom learning to the test and develop the creative and analytical experience sought after by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), charities, governments, and businesses
Join us on Twitter at @GlobaldevNTU
Join us at an open day
Saturday 14 October 2023 - Book your place
Saturday 4 November 2023 - Book your place
What you’ll study
The course is designed around broad themes: global development, politics and social justice, climate change and sustainability, communication, culture, and global movements. Each of these is studied from a global perspective taking inspiration, theories and ideas from a range of different disciplines, including social sciences, philosophy, geography, history and economics.
Core modules
Global Development Foundations
This module provides an introduction to the field of global development. You will explore the concept of development, learn about the key methodological tools used to understand and evaluate development, and examine the key drivers of underdevelopment. You will also gain an understanding of the role that key stakeholders such as government institutions, aid agencies, NGOs, and private businesses play in the field of development.
Colonial Legacies
Understand the legacies of colonialism as you explore the global and local economic, political, social, environmental, and cultural effects of colonialism. You will also undertake a field trip to a local heritage site where you will develop materials to communicate the colonial history of a chosen artefact.
Climate change, sustainability, and biodiversity
Examine some of the key global environmental challenges, and how colonial legacies and inequalities such as gender, race and socioeconomic status fuel contemporary environmental crises.
Intercultural Communication
Explore your own cultural background and how it intersects with others as you learn to critically analyse (inter)cultural situations, understand the processes of cultural stereotyping, and foster positive social change in your everyday life. You will also work with students and lecturers from one of our European partners.
Mapping global movements
Explore the pattern of global movement and the dynamics of people, cargo, capital, information, and cultural flows through the use of digital mapping. You will develop both basic project management skills and data-visualisation techniques, with critical understanding of maps as powerful tools to illustrate and reinforce networks, flows and power structures in the digital era.
Sustainability in culture and society
Learn about the broad concepts of sustainability and its historical footprint, by working alongside community-led enterprises and relevant charities which work both locally and internationally.
Core modules
Global Development: Research and Project Management
In this module, you will learn a range of practical skills for carrying out research in a development context, including building on the project management skills you learned in Year One.
Inequalities and Development
Examine and critically reflect on some key axes of inequality such as gender, race and class, and how they operate within and influence global development policy and organisations. Supported by the module leaders, you will work with an external organisation in a consultancy role on a key brief related to inequality and participation.
Social Economies and Participatory Approaches
Explore the concept of the social economy, and how development can work within communities. Particularly examining work in Europe and Latin America, you will look at the benefits and challenges to access for a range of social enterprises, like eco-localism, housing collectives, and micro-credit and how such economies can be governed.
Optional modules
Choose three from the following:
Global Development Discourses
Learn to understand local and global political and development issues in relation to individual experiences, group-formation, and intercultural communication, as well as broader discourses and narratives on culture, identification and belonging. How do these become normalised? And how might online and offline activism intervene in and change powerful narratives?
Imagining the Sustainable World
We live in an era of significant challenges to the wellbeing of the planet and its inhabitants – from global warming, water pollution and energy shortages, to poverty, gender inequality and conflict. In this moment of crisis, this module will examine how writing from a range of eras and genres might offer insights, warnings, possibilities, sources of hope, and solutions to contemporary problems.
People and Planet: pasts, presents, and futures
In this module you will develop an understanding of the human impact on the environment from the 15th Century to the present as a form of slow but sustained violence enacted against the planet. It will also explore how such long-term change can interact with social justice in the present day.
Money Matters: Finance Past and Present
See how historical processes affect global economics and capital flows, using your knowledge and skills to engage with financial data in real time. Through this module you will gain insights into financial management, financial markets, the causes and consequences of fluctuations in financial markets, and the performance of different types of investment over time.
Learn a new language
The University Language Programme (ULP) gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
You may choose to take an optional year-long placement in Year Three, either in the UK or overseas.
You will be supported by our experienced Employability Team to source a suitable placement.
Core modules
Research project
Demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and skills you have gained in Global Development and further develop them to create a substantial and independent piece of research on a relevant topic of your choice. You can complete this either in the traditional form of a written dissertation, or in an alternative format such as a publication, film, or podcast with a smaller written element. You will be guided through your research by your supervisor. You can also develop your project with or for an external partner, for instance with a company you have worked for during a placement, or a charity you have volunteered with.
Global Development in Action
This personalised module allows you to develop activities according to your needs and aspirations. You will complete a minimum of 80 hours of work-like experience either in the UK or overseas which could include activities such as formal training, placements, employer projects, community-engaged learning, volunteering or campaigning.
Optional modules
Choose three from the following:
Natural Futures? Global Environmental Catastrophes and the Fate of Life on Earth
Environmental catastrophe is the key global challenge of the 21st century, representing an existential threat to both human and non-human life. This threat is bewildering and frightening in its scope, with problems such as global heating, pollution, loss of biodiversity and challenges to food and water security all having a huge impact on both human societies and the natural world on which those societies rely. This module will feature guest talks and sessions to help you understand the roots of environmental catastrophe, comprehend the shape it takes today, and envisioning a range of possible future scenarios for a new flourishing of life on Planet Earth.
Legacies and Memories of Conflict
Examine the issue of conflict, its legacies and memorialisation in a variety of settings and contexts. You will focus on a series of historical struggles from around the world and use them to interrogate what happened and why before analysing their traces and consequences in their respective post-conflict eras.
The Global Struggle for Civil and Human Rights
What is the difference between Civil and Human Rights? Why do campaigns for Civil Rights lead to conflict? Why are Human Rights a source of political controversy? In this module, you will examine the long struggle for civil and human rights within different national and transnational contexts from African slavery and its legacies to broader contemporary issues of equality, inclusion and justice.
Global Ethics and Social Justice
Examine the theories that inform the global ethics perspective in order to develop a toolkit that can be used to better understand and engage with specific real-world cases about the moral and political aspects of international organizations and global governance, colonialism, immigration, economic inequality, and gender justice.
The Rise of East Asia
Delve deeper into the rise of Asia and its growing interactions with different world regions, trans-regional economic integration within Asia and the "Asian values" debate. Covering geography, population, economy, environmental issues, philosophy, power, and politics, you will look at national/international rivalry both within Asia and across the Western world.
Learn a new language
The University Language Programme (ULP) gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can enhance your communication skills, enrich your experience when travelling abroad and boost your career prospects. Find out more about the University Language Programme.
How you’re taught
How will I learn?
You will be taught through a variety of teaching and learning experiences which will include:
- lectures and seminars
- interactive workshops
- group projects and presentations
- case studies and simulations
- company briefs and projects
- Field trips
- Placements
The course is highly practical with a high level of collaboration with companies and organisations working in the field of Global Development.
Work experience, placements and projects
You will undertake up to 240 hours of work-like experience over the course of your degree. These hours will be split across modules and years and will include a variety of different experiences including: placements, company projects, simulations, consultancy projects, case studies, volunteering, and campaigning.
Contact hours
If you’re struggling with a topic or require additional support or guidance, you can arrange to see your tutors in small groups or one-to-one, to discuss essay plans or to seek some specific academic guidance.
It is the nature of the subjects offered in the School of Arts and Humanities, however, that much of your time will be spent engaged in independent study. We recognise that this marks a change of culture from school or college, and we have in place a system of study support to help you adapt to this.
International exchange
You’ll also have the option to take part in an international exchange at a partner university. These options will enable you to gain impressive international experience, and broaden your perspective and career ambitions.
You’ll experience other cultures, travel the globe and open your eyes to a world of opportunities. Our exchange partnership with a number of international universities enables you to live and study in another country in your second year. Find out more about international exchanges.
Campus and facilities
Here are some of the free services, student discount and benefits you'll get studying at NTU
We've carefully considered what benefits and services you need for your studies, so when you join NTU you'll get free printing and materials credits, access to our free WiFi, a copy of Microsoft Office, and even borrow a laptop if yours is out of commission.
For life outside your lectures, you'll enjoy access to over 60 sports clubs and 130 student societies, discounted travel and bike hire, free language learning, award-winning student support and an entertainment programme which is second to none.
See all the benefits and free services you will enjoy as an NTU student.
Books and library resources
In our library you’ll have access to an extensive and diverse range of books including those on your reading list.
The library's online resources and NTU Online Workspace (NOW) also provides digital access to the core resources for your modules and a wide range of specialist collections, texts, and databases
Nottingham Trent University has its own Blackwell’s Bookshop which stocks relevant academic texts plus a wide range of bestselling novels.
IT Resources
Our IT resource rooms and PC clusters are distributed across the campus, with PCs providing access to: Microsoft Office, email, web browsing, networked file storage and high-speed online printing services (with a free printing allowance for each student). Resource rooms are available 24 hours a day.
Societies
Current students run societies in a range of Humanities and Arts subjects including History, Medieval, Film, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Politics and International Relations, and the Book society.
There are also a number of media channels which our students get involved in such as the NTU radio station FlyLive, our student magazine Platform, and TV station TrentTV.
Find out more about student societies at the Student Union website.
Entry requirements
- 112 - 120 UCAS tariff points from four A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
You will need the equivalent to:
- 120 UCAS tariff points from four A-levels or equivalent qualifications
- GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on +44 (0)115 848 2494.
Additional Costs
All students will be expected to pay up to a maximum of £50 per year towards the costs of residential field trips.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Please see our fees page for more information.
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.
Additional Costs
All students will be expected to pay up to a maximum of £50 per year towards the costs of residential field trips.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can.
For the full-time route just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow our step-by-step guide.
UCAS Codes:
- Three year, full-time degree: Q310
- Four year sandwich degree: Q311
If you're applying for the part-time route please apply online using the NTU Applicant Portal.
Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You've got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you've applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!
Need help with your application?
For admissions related enquiries please contact us:
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.