BA Geography and International Development

BA Geography and International Development

This new and innovative degree programme allows students to combine the study of Geography with International Development. The degree builds knowledge and practical skills that can be applied to global challenges such as poverty and inequality, climate change, conflict and migration, as well as topics such as media constructions of the South. Students study Human and Social Geography, and can also select from modules which relate to Environmental Geography and Development Geography. The degree offers practical skills training useful for future employment, on Project Design, Management and Financial Planning, and Geographical Information Systems. Students also have the opportunity to take a work placement in the UK or another country. Other study options include development economics, social anthropology and public policy. We aim to produce skilled graduates that are equipped to do well in range of employment settings or in further study.

Course structure

In the first year we introduce and get you to critically engage with contemporary debates and issues in international development. You will examine changing approaches to the study of geography and key principles of geography as they apply to international development, for example colonialism and post colonialism. You will take the core modules: Introduction to Development Studies alongside Evidence in Development, and then Principles of Human Geography and Introduction to Natural Resources and Development. You will also have the opportunity to study two other subject areas, from: Social Anthropology or Economics.

In the second year you will select and continue with the Human and Social Geography subject area, studying the two modules Geographies of Development, and People and Place. You will get the opportunity to develop skills in research methods, either focusing on quantitative methods or qualitative and anthropological methods. You will choose a module that examines a geographical region and its development in depth, such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia or Latin America. You can also continue with one of the other disciplinary subject areas if you wish (eg economics, natural resources or social anthropology) or can select from a choice of issue-related modules, for example Education and Development or Gender and Development. There is also an opportunity to study a module from a different School, for example a foreign language.

In the third and final year you will write a dissertation (research project) on a topic related to the geography of international development which is of personal interest, supervised by a member of staff who has expertise in the area of research. If you decide to take the Overseas Experience course option, you will take up a work placement overseas during the autumn semester, for example working on social development projects for community, public and non-governmental organisations, or on HIV in Uganda; or you could study at an overseas university, for example in South Africa. You can also opt to do a work placement in the UK.
If you decide to stay at the University, while doing your dissertation you will also be able to study a module such as Wars, Humanitarian Crises and Aid, Gender and Development, Education and Development, or a module in another School (for example a foreign language, or the Human Geography of Climate Change in the School of Environmental Sciences). In the spring semester you will choose options such as Development in Practice (to develop specialist practical and professional work skills), Contemporary Issues in Resource Development and Conservation, Public Policy and Welfare, Globalisation and Economic Development, or one of the regional modules.

Teaching, Assessment and Feedback

Our degree programmes maximise the range of modules available to students with flexibility being a key element of the modular undergraduate teaching structure. With the subject of International Development tending to be relatively new to the majority of our students, the first semester is designed to provide general background information through the module Introduction to Development Studies which follows historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic.
Designed to inspire as well as to educate, we aim to enhance and inform your interest in geography and development studies by providing skills, knowledge, understanding and practical experience. Teaching methods incorporate lectures, seminars, and e-learning sessions and student participation is actively encouraged through the use of discussion, debate, video, role-playing and problem-solving techniques. Assessment takes place throughout the period of study, with the majority of modules being assessed by a combination of course/project work, group assignments, seminar presentations and examination.
Your independent research skills will be developed throughout your degree, culminating in a final year project (Dissertation). All students are assigned an academic adviser to oversee their progress and to guide them through their wide range of module choices.

Career Opportunities

Many opportunities now exist in the broad field of international development. Large numbers of governments and organisations are creating positions, budgets and policies designed to address many pressing issues (for example: effecting climate change policy; mitigating infectious diseases; delivering child education; building appropriate infrastructure; achieving sustainable agriculture and food security; managing conflict over resources). These require remarkable individuals with remarkable skills.

A graduate of International Development is a rare but valued individual due to the many skills acquired through the degree that enable students to analyse, understand and explain diverse points of view; appreciate the complex dimensions of development problems; respect differences of opinion; and apply logic and objectivity in different situations. Many of our graduates are working with large Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), including Oxfam, Action Aid, Save the Children Fund, World Wildlife Fund, Water Aid, Global Vision and Concern. Others decide to work for local or national government in the UK or overseas in a range of roles concerned with social and community care, economic development or urban regeneration, human rights and advocacy, environmental conservation, forestry and water resources. Our degrees can also be used as a qualification to enter journalism, management or teaching and a recent careers analysis of our International Development Undergraduates reflects this diversity, with alumni taking up a variety of posts. For example:

• Desk officer for DFID in the UK or overseas
• Adviser in a think tank in London on social and economic issues
• Community support officer in Wales, Kyrgyzstan or Nepal
• Progress to study for a PhD
• Researcher for senior academic or politician
• Lecturer or school teacher
• Scientist for an NGO such as WWF
• Policy team for Education in an NGO such as Oxfam
• Internship or overseas opportunities with ODI
• Administrative officer for a development consultancy company leading to work overseas and career progression

The School of International Development also works very closely with the University Careers Centre to help students seek out various opportunities towards supporting their career development.

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Entry Requirements A Level: ABB International Baccalaureate: 32 Scottish Highers: AABBB Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB Irish Leaving Certificate: AABBBB Access Course: Pass with Distinction in 36 credits at level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at level 3 HND: Please contact dev.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for further information European Baccalaureate: 75% Entry Requirement

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see above for typical offer).

Candidates with equivalent qualifications to the A level requirement are encouraged to apply (eg International Baccalaureate; Access to Higher Education certificate). International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Students should also have 5 GCSEs grade C and above, including English and Mathematics.

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
• PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Intakes

The course begins in September each year.

GCSE Offer

Students should also have 5 GCSEs grade C and above, including English and Mathematics.

Assessment

Key factors used to assess an application include:

• Past and future achievement in examinations
• Academic interest in the subject
• Personal interests and extra-curricular activities
• The reference

All applications are considered on their own individual merits.

The School of International Development at the University of East Anglia is a globally renowned department for teaching, research and consultancy in the area of international development. Committed to making a difference through our teaching and research, we also advise on policy concerning major global challenges such as poverty reduction and environmental sustainability.

We are a friendly, thriving and cosmopolitan department. Many of our students are from the UK, with others from over 40 countries.

So why choose to study at the School of International Development at UEA?

• Excellent Student Satisfaction: in the 2012 National Student Survey we scored 95% for our undergraduate teaching, student learning and personal development. The School of International Development is consistently ranked very highly in the National Student Survey in the subject category of Human and Social Geography. In 2012 the School was ranked 6th in the country.
• High quality research and impact: The School’s research was rated as ‘internationally excellent’ by the government in the last national research assessment exercise (RAE 2008). The School was placed in the top three departments in the country for research on international development.
• Excellent staff-student ratios: We have around 400 students in the School, 220 of which are undergraduates. With 40 members of staff, this makes our overall staff-student ratio 1:10, with one member of academic staff per six undergraduate students.
• What our students say: See some of our students’ own feedback about their experience of study with The School of International Development.

How do we provide such a good student experience?

• A dedicated and distinctive teaching culture: Our excellent staff-student ratios and teaching methods mean we offer small class sizes and a close-knit, friendly and personal learning environment. Staff can dedicate time to individual students. We come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds so we design and offer coherent courses and teaching across several academic disciplines without having to rely on other departments. All our staff teach, whether they are professors or junior lecturers.
• Work Experience Placements: For the past 10 years all our undergraduate degrees have offered an incredible opportunity; a work placement in the UK or overseas as an integral part of the three year degree through the Development Work Experience module. Through established links with organisations and a database of quality-assured projects the opportunities and support we provide to you are second to none. Recent examples of placements include:
  • working for the UN in Cambodia on a poverty reduction programme
  • working in South Africa on a rural development project with communities and schools
  • working for Great Yarmouth Borough Council on a climate change adaptation project.

Students can select projects from our database, explore their own options, or draw on the extensive staff networks and alumni links that we have across the globe. The School offers a bursary to each student to help them with the costs of the work placement.

• Overseas Study opportunities: As an alternative to work experience, students can opt to study at an overseas university in the Autumn semester.
• We ensure you leave with transferable skills: We ensure that all our courses integrate transferable skills, such as the ability to carry out research, write reports or policy briefs, make verbal or written presentations, and teamwork.
• Development of specific professional skills: The third year module Development in Practice involves practice-based workshops to develop professional skills such as project design and management, financial management, advocacy work and the use of social media for communication and business purposes. We also offer more specialised professional skills training in areas such as humanitarian assistance, Geographical Information Systems and film-making. All of these skills are essential to your career development and are attractive to employers.

If you choose to join us, you will discover exciting opportunities for engaging in development issues, meet people from different cultures, explore challenging problems, build individual and team skills and discover fascinating new career directions.

Dr Steve Russell
Head of the School

Come and Visit Us

Our Open Days will give you the opportunity to experience the University of East Anglia's unique campus atmosphere. The next Undergraduate Open Day will be held on Saturday 22 June 2013.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Admissions Office (Development)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to download the School of International Development Undergraduate Prospectus or register your details via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

Fees and Funding

The fees and financial support information listed below is the same for all undergraduate courses within the School of International Development.

University Fees and Financial Support: UK/EU Students

The University is committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed financial assistance in the form of both bursaries and scholarships. Further information on some of the scholarships and bursaries available for 2013 can be found here.

University Fees and Financial Support: International Students

The University of East Anglia will be charging International students £11,700 for all full-time School of International Development undergraduate programmes which start in 2013.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.

International Development Undergraduate Scholarships: All International undergraduate students who have applied to the School of International Development and have accepted their place by 31st May 2013 will be eligible to be considered for an International Development Scholarship on the basis of academic excellence. The awards which are available to those beginning the course in September 2013 will be:

• One Scholarship - £5,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course
• Three Scholarships - £3,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course

Candidates do not need to complete a separate application form.

Please click to access further information about fees and funding for International students.