BA (Hons) Geography with Global Development with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Have you ever wondered why societies are so unequal? How processes of colonialism, globalisation, urbanisation, and (de)industrialisation have transformed people’s lives? Or considered how uneven development emerges at the global, regional, national, and local scales, and what we can do about it? What are the causes and consequences of social polarisation and inequalities between groups? How do people challenge, resist, and transform spatial difference and social injustice? And how can we understand the complex interactions between people, communities, and their wider environments in order to create a better future for everyone?
Learn to tackle these big questions – and many more – in our BA Geography with International Development with a Placement Year.
Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.
This innovative course combines a strong interdisciplinary foundation with a specialist geographical lens in the study of global development. You’ll take core human and social geography modules that seek to understand critical contemporary issues from a geographical perspective – including poverty, inequality, race, health, migration, and urbanisation – focusing specifically on the relationship between people and place, and transformative social justice. You’ll obtain key practical skills training, including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), qualitative and quantitative methods, alongside in-depth field experience. In fact, fieldwork and field courses are a vital part of this degree with local field trips embedded within core modules, where we partner with and learn from community-based organisations. We have several opportunities for residential trips in the UK throughout the programme.
In addition to this geographical focus, you’ll gain a broad grounding in the key issues, agendas and practices of development, fusing insights from geography with those from across the social sciences, including anthropology, economics, environmental sciences, media, and politics. You can develop your understanding of particular regions in the world, through area modules relating to sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, or Latin America, and you can pursue your emerging interests through this unique blend of geography and development.
In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a Placement Year.
The result is an extremely flexible degree programme that you can tailor to suit your particular interests, and that allows you to combine an interdisciplinary foundation with your focused specialism.
By studying with us, you’ll join our close-knit academic community, made up of experts from across multiple disciplines, all housed within the School of International Development. As such, you’ll not only learn from our world-renowned geographers within the school, but you can benefit from a truly vibrant, interdisciplinary environment.
We are amongst the best in the world for researching, teaching, and practicing development. Come and study with us and help us to create a fairer world.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
In your third year, you’ll spend 9-12 months in a full-time development placement, before returning to your studies in the final year. You’re expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from the School staff and the Careers Service. Please note we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. If you have not successfully secured a work placement by the end of your second year, you will be transferred onto one of the School’s three-year programmes.
Study and Modules
Structure
The core modules of your first year will provide you with a strong foundation in the key principles of human geography and their application to contemporary development challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to attend short field trips this year as well. You will also have the opportunity to extend your understanding of broader social, economic, political, and cultural perspectives.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
When you come to the School, you’ll join a close-knit community where you can share your passion for creating a fairer planet with staff and students from around the world. Our teaching staff are actively researching real-world issues and bringing their experiences directly into the classroom. In your first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars and independent study. In your lectures our expert academics set out the state-of-the-art in their field; seminars are conducted in smaller groups that will allow you to engage in in-depth discussion with our academics and other students in the School. Independent study is a key element of learning on all the School’s degrees and you’ll be supported to learn how to do this effectively through your first year.
Assessment
In Year 1, you’ll be assessed through a mixture of essays, course tests and exams.
Throughout your degree, you’ll get valuable feedback on your work from staff and fellow students. This helps you identify areas for improvement, ensuring you get the most from your work.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll advance your knowledge of human geography and develop practical field and research skills for the study of global development, whilst broadening your understanding of the subject through optional regional, thematic, or disciplinary modules. You’ll have the opportunity to attend a week-long field trip that emphasizes partnering with community organisations, and the real-world application of geographical skills.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In Year Two, you’ll learn through the same core activities as in Year One, whilst also engaging in more applied learning. The School offers a range of methods modules that allow you to gain experience of conducting your own research projects. Most of these are offered in the second year of your degree. There are also a variety of field trips and courses offered on modules in the School, that will develop your practical skills in research and community-based problem-solving.
Assessment
In Year 2, you’ll be assessed through a mixture of essays, field project reports, and presentations and exams, as well as quantitative-analytical reports and policy briefs.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned into practice and get hands-on professional experience through a 9-12 month work placement in a development organisation, before returning to UEA for your final year. This placement will allow you to gain invaluable working experience and employability skills in a relevant area of your choice. You are expected to source your placement yourself, but support is available from School staff and the Careers Service.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll learn through practical experience with your placement organisation.
Assessment
During your placement year, you will not take any assessments at UEA.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll be able to choose freely from a range of more specialised modules, allowing you to deepen your understanding of critical development issues in a flexible manner. This year also places greater emphasis on employability and independent study. You have the option to choose to write a dissertation, enabling you to engage in independent research around your own particular interests.
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 120)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you’ll continue to learn through lectures, seminars and practical work. You’ll have the option to research and write a dissertation, a large individual project that requires you to exercise the independent learning skills that you will have developed in the School. If you would prefer to not write a dissertation, then you can take other modules based on lectures and seminars.
Assessment
In Year 4, you’ll be assessed by similar methods as Years 1 and 2.
Throughout your degree, you’ll get valuable feedback on your work from staff and fellow students. This helps you identify areas for improvement, ensuring you get the most from your work.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- ABB - If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism.
- BTEC
- DDM excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration See below for accepted subjects and combinations
- Contextual Offer
A Level – BBC
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – DMM
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- BCC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3
- International Baccalaureate
- 32 points
- GCSE
- You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Interviews
- Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
- We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
- This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: DDM
Diploma: DD plus B at A-level
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-level
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as:
BA Geography and International Development with a Foundation Year
BA International Development with a Foundation Year
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Business Economics Society and Culture (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Humanities and Law (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Year One in Global Development with Media (for Year 2 entry to UEA)
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a vast range of organisations related to geography and global development and many of our graduates go on to work in related roles in policy and advocacy. These include government agencies, the United Nations, private sector companies, consultancy firms, and the many hundreds of large and small non-government organisations that focus on social and environmental issues and humanitarian work. Furthermore, geographers are renowned for being ‘systems-thinkers’, focusing on people and our relationships with the environment. Trained geographers contribute to advocating for liveable climates, influencing social policy, and managing resources.
Alternatively, you could use the academic and transferable skills gained from our degrees for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, education, and academia. Geography provides an ideal set of skills and understandings for approaching a myriad of career choices.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Government/planning
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Business
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Charitable sector
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Environmental management
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Teaching
Discover more on our Careers webpages.