Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Duration
- 4 years full-time
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
ABB
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Refugee/care-experienced offer
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Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer three grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions. - Typical International Baccalaureate offer
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36 points overall. 6, 6, 6 in higher-level subjects.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- L906
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- We're ranked 7th in the world for development studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
- Focus on the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the Global South and explore connections with the developed world in the Global North.
- Study abroad opportunity
- 85% of our research outputs are either ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021), meaning that you will be taught by world-leading experts in their fields.
- Benefit from an impressive history of development studies at Manchester of over 60 years - we have educated more than 10,000 students from across the world who now help drive forward sustainable development and social justice for all.
Open days
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £3,000 to support your studies.
Find out about our funding opportunities .
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA
A mixture of science or maths and humanities or arts subjects is preferred, but not essential.
We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.
Contextual offer
AS-level
Unit grade information
GCSE
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AAAAC or AAABB in Scottish Highers.
In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers AAA
or
Two Advanced Highers AA , plus two additional Higher AA
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.
We require minimum grade A from the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 87% overall.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAA and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening .
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA and an EAP requirements score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening . Please note, the NCUK International Foundation Year in Business is not accepted for BA Architecture.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry (we do not accept the above qualification in Art and Design).
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate in either Construction or Engineering for entry. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades AA.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grades BB.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AA.
Other
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3 and 45 credits at Distinction .
You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects are expected to achieve D3, D3, D3.
Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A-levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grades AA at A-level in three distinct subjects.
T Level
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
If you have followed a non-standard educational route and have been, for example, educated at home, your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course to which you applied. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the academic entry requirements as specified for the course. We will also require a reference which should be written by somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
For details on acceptable equivalent qualifications to this course please see the School of Environment, Education and Development's English Language information page .
We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Returning to education
Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.
We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.
We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.
Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
We will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules.
If you have re-sat your final examinations, we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgement on your application.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
BSc Global Development focuses on the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the Global South, including Asia and the Pacific, Africa and Latin America. However, the challenges facing peoples, businesses and governments in the Global South cannot be understood without exploring connections with the Global North.
Today’s challenges – such as climate change, inequality, and social justice – cut across global boundaries and require a global perspective.
You will learn how to analyse these issues using different approaches, as the course emphasises insights from a range of interconnected disciplines, particularly geography, politics and economics.
The Global Development Institute addresses global inequalities through world-class, interdisciplinary research, and teaching, in order to promote a socially-just world in which all people, including future generations, can enjoy a decent life. Made up of over 70 academics and around 700 students from around 40 countries, the Global Development Institute is one of the largest and most diverse providers of development studies in Europe.
Special features
From being a small training unit on the edge of the University, the Global Development Institute now leads one of its major research beacons on global inequalities. With a culmination of impressive history of development studies at Manchester which has spanned over more than 60 years, we have educated more than 10,000 students from across the world who now help drive forward sustainable development and social justice for all.
Watch this video to learn more about our history.
Multiculturalism
The Global Development Institute is one of the largest and most diverse providers of development studies in Europe with around 700 students and over 70 academics from around 40 countries, making it the perfect home for this brand-new undergraduate course for entry 2023.
Global reputation
Ranked 7th in the world for development studies (QS 2023), the Global Development Institute has an outstanding reputation across the globe, meaning that a degree from Manchester will set you up for a bright future within the field of development studies.
Research-informed teaching
The Global Development Institute has recently been awarded for its research impact and quality, with 85% of our research outputs judged as either ‘world-leading' or ‘internationally excellent' (Research Excellence Framework 2021), meaning that you will be taught by world-leading experts in their fields.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.
The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.
The role of SEED
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Immigration, passport and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:
- a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
- a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.
The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.
Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed through methods including:
- essays;
- team projects;
- coursework;
- presentations;
- dissertation.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Skills for Global Development Studies 1 (Qualitative Methods) | MGDI10001 | 20 | Mandatory |
Current Issues in Global Development 1 | MGDI10011 | 20 | Mandatory |
History of Thought in Global Development | MGDI10021 | 20 | Mandatory |
Skills for Global Development Studies 2 (Quantitative Methods) | MGDI10032 | 20 | Mandatory |
Current Issues in Global Development 2 | MGDI10042 | 20 | Mandatory |
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Global Development | MGDI10052 | 20 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Sustainable Global Development | MGDI20061 | 20 | Mandatory |
Political Economy of Globalisation | MGDI20071 | 20 | Mandatory |
Climate Change: Science and Society | GEOG20091 | 20 | Optional |
Everyday Peace Building and Security | HCRI20002 | 20 | Optional |
Disasters and Development | HCRI20011 | 20 | Optional |
Introduction to Global Health | HCRI20321 | 20 | Optional |
Urban Development in the Global South | MGDI20232 | 20 | Optional |
Public Economics for the Global South | MGDI20242 | 20 | Optional |
Intermediate Statistical Methods | MGDI20251 | 20 | Optional |
Development Microeconomics | MGDI20262 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Global Development Dissertation | MGDI30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Study Abroad | MGDI30100 | 120 | Mandatory |
Critical Geographies of Difference | GEOG30621 | 20 | Optional |
Wildlife in the Anthropocene | GEOG30702 | 20 | Optional |
Global Urban Futures | GEOG32041 | 20 | Optional |
Disaster Mobilities of Climate Change | HCRI30631 | 20 | Optional |
Conceptualising the Camp | HCRI30652 | 20 | Optional |
Sustainability in Action | MGDI30301 | 20 | Optional |
Global Value Chains and Development | MGDI30401 | 20 | Optional |
Health Economics in the Global South | MGDI30501 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Global Development Dissertation | MGDI30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Critical Geographies of Difference | GEOG30621 | 20 | Optional |
Wildlife in the Anthropocene | GEOG30702 | 20 | Optional |
Disaster Mobilities of Climate Change | HCRI30631 | 20 | Optional |
Conceptualising the Camp | HCRI30652 | 20 | Optional |
Sustainability in Action | MGDI30301 | 20 | Optional |
Global Value Chains and Development | MGDI30401 | 20 | Optional |
Health Economics in the Global South | MGDI30501 | 20 | Optional |
Analysing Poverty & Inequality | MGDI30601 | 20 | Optional |
Further Statistical Methods for Global Development | MGDI30802 | 20 | Optional |
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What our students say
“I chose to study at The University of Manchester because of its position at the forefront of global development studies. I was attracted by the GDI’s famously influential research across the globe and by the opportunity to experience a research-informed approach to learning about international development under the influence of its renowned multi-disciplined body of academic staff.
I was also drawn to Manchester by its reputation as an exciting, affordable city with a rich cultural heritage and by its position as a great base from which to explore the rest of the UK and Europe.”
Facilities
From being a small training unit on the edge of the University, the Global Development Institute now leads one of its major research beacons on global inequalities. With a culmination of impressive history of development studies at Manchester which has spanned over more than 60 years, we have educated more than 10,000 students from across the world who now help drive forward sustainable development and social justice for all.
What’s more, the Global Development Institute is located in the Arthur Lewis Building, named after the first black Nobel Prize winner and first black professor in the UK, and previous professor of economics at Manchester.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
With over 10,000 alumni across the globe, the Global Development Institute has helped launch many careers over the years. We have educated a large number of postgraduate students over recent years and are now launching a brand-new undergraduate course with the focus of building the foundation for a career in the development sector. Our course units have been designed to ensure you graduate with the research and professional skills you need to pursue your chosen career.
Learning in our state-of-the-art classrooms and computer laboratories, the course will equip you with excellent subject knowledge, while also developing your transferrable skills, such as communication, data analysis, research and problem-solving.
What’s more, the Global Development Institute is highly diverse with both students and academics from across the globe, enhancing your intercultural skills – a valuable asset in today’s professional environment.
After your graduation, you will be well equipped for a wide range of positions in the public and private sectors working on developmental issues, including charities, non-governmental organisations, international organisations, governments, policy making, media or politics either in the UK or abroad. What’s more, the Global Development Institute offers over 20 master’s courses, allowing you to delve deeper into your chosen field.
Careers support
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability.
Careers support for international students
The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.
- Working in the UK after study
- Working during study
- Professional and alumni networks for international students
Global networks
The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK. International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country. It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.