International Development with Overseas Experience

The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Development with Overseas Experience at the University of East Anglia offers students a comprehensive understanding of global development issues, policies, and practices, combined with valuable international fieldwork opportunities. This programme is designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex challenges faced by developing countries and underserved communities around the world. Throughout their studies, students will explore key themes such as poverty reduction, sustainability, human rights, global governance, and social justice, gaining insight into the socio-economic, political, and environmental factors that influence development processes.

One of the defining features of this degree is the integration of an overseas experience component, which allows students to apply their academic learning in real-world settings through placements, internships, or field trips abroad. This international dimension provides students with firsthand exposure to development projects, cultural contexts, and operational challenges, fostering intercultural competence and professional skills that are highly valued in the global development sector. The programme encourages critical thinking, research capabilities, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in NGOs, governmental agencies, international organizations, or further academic study.

Students will benefit from the university’s strong links with international development agencies and community projects, offering opportunities for networking and hands-on experience. The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research, supported by experienced faculty members who have expertise in development studies, international relations, environmental sustainability, and related fields. Additionally, students can tailor their degree through optional modules that explore specific interests, such as disaster response, gender equality, or social entrepreneurship.

By the conclusion of the programme, students will have developed a nuanced understanding of the complexities of international development, along with practical skills in project management, policy analysis, and evaluation. The overseas experience ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also culturally aware and adaptable, ready to make meaningful contributions to development initiatives worldwide. This degree is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive impact on global challenges and eager to gain international experience during their academic journey.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 10550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 14400 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Students: £9,000. International Students: £12,300

• English

Course Content

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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5 TOEFL iBT® test : 88

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

Candidates will be expected to have 3 A levels (see below 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.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of East Anglia.

Funding

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 2012.
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 2012 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 2012 will be:

• One Scholarship - £4,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course
• Two Scholarships - £3,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course
• Two Scholarships - £2,000 fees award per year for the duration of the course

Candidates do not need to complete a separate application form.

International Development with Overseas Experience at the University of East Anglia offers students a unique opportunity to explore the complex issues surrounding global development while gaining practical international exposure. The program combines core modules in development studies with specialized courses that focus on economic growth, social justice, environmental sustainability, and policy analysis within a global context. A distinctive feature of this degree is the inclusion of an overseas component, which allows students to immerse themselves in development work firsthand, often through placements, field trips, or partnerships with international organizations and NGOs. This practical experience is designed to enhance students' understanding of development challenges and strategies in real-world settings, preparing them for careers in international agencies, government departments, charities, or research institutions. The program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural communication, and problem-solving skills, equipping graduates to contribute effectively to sustainable development initiatives worldwide. Students benefit from the university's strong links with international development organizations, providing valuable networking opportunities and access to expert lecturers with extensive field experience. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest developments and debates in the field, ensuring that students are well-versed in current issues such as climate change, migration, inequality, and global health. The program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making graduates highly employable in a competitive job market. Overall, International Development with Overseas Experience at UEA prepares students not only to understand global development theories but also to actively participate in making a positive difference in communities around the world.