BSc Global Development

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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.

BSc Global Development focuses on the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the Global South, i.e. the ‘developing world’ in Asia, Africa and Latin America. However, the challenges facing peoples, businesses and governments in the Global South cannot be understood without exploring connections with the developed world in 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.

Longstanding history

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.

Global reputation

Ranked 10th in the world for development studies (QS 2024), 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.

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.

You will be assessed through methods including:

• essays;
• team projects;
• coursework;
• presentations;
• dissertation.

“The teaching style is also one of the things I love about The University of Manchester. Professors are not only imparting knowledge but also inspiring and guiding our thinking. Their rich teaching methods inspire our creativity and critical thinking. In an open dialogue and inclusive environment, we are encouraged to express our ideas and opinions and to discuss and communicate with fellow students and professors.”

Yi, BSc Global Development Student

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.

Find out more about our facilities on our website.

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.