International Development BA
Study of global inequality, social change, and international efforts to improve living standards, reduce poverty, strengthen communities, and support sustainable human development.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in global development
Care about inequality and poverty
Want an international career
Enjoy research and analysis
Are curious
Popular Career Fields
International Development
Charity & NGO Sector
Government & Public Sector
Research & Academia
Your Personality Might Be:
Globally minded
Charity & NGO Sector
Empathetic
Culturally aware
What is it?
What is an International Development degree?
International Development explores the political, economic, social, and cultural factors that shape inequality and global wellbeing. It examines how governments, NGOs, international organisations, and local communities work to address issues such as poverty, health, education, conflict, climate change, and human rights.
You’ll study global systems, development policies, and the lived experiences of communities worldwide. The degree also focuses on practical strategies for sustainable development, humanitarian action, and social justice.
This interdisciplinary field draws on politics, sociology, economics, public health, geography, anthropology, and environmental studies to understand development challenges and solutions.
Why Study for an International Development degree?
If you care about global issues such as inequality, environmental change, migration, human rights, or humanitarian crises, this degree offers a powerful pathway to making a difference.
International Development helps you understand the root causes of global problems and equips you with the practical and analytical skills needed to work in NGOs, charities, policy organisations, international institutions, and community development roles around the world.
Course Summary
Study of global inequality, social change, and international efforts to improve living standards, reduce poverty, strengthen communities, and support sustainable human development.
What you'll study
This degree might subjects such as cover:
Global inequality, poverty, and sustainable development
International politics, global governance, and human rights
Economic development, trade, and globalisation
Climate change, environmental sustainability, and resource management
Humanitarian crises, conflict, and peacebuilding
Development policy, project planning, and evaluation
Skills You'll Gain
An International Development degree builds strong academic and practical skills, including:
Global and political awareness – understanding international systems, power structures, and development challenges.
Research and evaluation skills – analysing evidence to assess development issues and policy effectiveness.
Communication and intercultural skills – working effectively with diverse communities and global partners.
Critical thinking and ethical awareness – recognising diverse perspectives and the complexities of global justice.
Project planning and problem-solving – designing and assessing development initiatives and interventions.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates often work in:
International development organisations
NGOs, charities, and humanitarian agencies
Public policy and global governance
Community development and social impact roles
Environmental sustainability organisations
Human rights and advocacy
Research and policy analysis
Education, communications, and outreach
Work Experiences & Placements
Depending on the programme, opportunities may include:
NGOs and international charities
Humanitarian and disaster response organisations
Government development agencies or local authorities
United Nations or international institutions
Community development groups
Social enterprises or sustainability organisations
Research projects or field visits
Many degrees encourage volunteering or project-based learning linked to global development.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects. Geography, Economics, Politics, Sociology, History, or Modern Languages are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show interest in global issues, social justice, or sustainability.
Mention relevant volunteering, activism, reading, or lived experiences.
Reflect on global challenges that motivate you (e.g., climate, inequality, humanitarian issues).
Highlight communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.
What to do Next
Compare modules and specialisms (e.g., humanitarianism, sustainability, global health).
Attend open days or webinars on international development.
Explore volunteering or work with community or charity organisations.
Read widely about global challenges and development strategies.
Wider Reading
Development as Freedom – Amartya Sen: A foundational text on human-centred development.
The Bottom Billion – Paul Collier: Why extreme poverty persists and what can be done.
Half the Sky – Kristof & WuDunn: How empowering women transforms global development.
Factfulness – Hans Rosling: A data-driven look at global progress and misconceptions.