BA Honours International Development Degree

Overview & facilities

The BA Development Studies Degree with Honours allows you to better understand global processes from the point of view of the developing or 'Third World'.

The course provides an in-depth understanding of development processes from the colonial period to the present day, focussing particularly on policy initiatives by international agencies and organisations to address issues such as poverty, famine, and disasters, environmental degradation and gender subordination among others.

What distinguishes our Development Studies Degree from other courses is its inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary approach that draws on thinking from politics, sociology, social policy and geography, but is not restricted by any one of these. Additionally, while the teaching staff have many years' experience of teaching and researching in the area they also have a commitment to working with non-governmental organisations and agencies in implementing development policies and projects. As such, teaching and learning has a practical, as well as academic, orientation.

The diverse student body, in terms of gender, age and ethnic background, makes for a rich and interesting student experience, which is enhanced by opportunities to study the subject matter from variety of disciplines and perspectives and in a variety of contexts, including in the field and the work place.

• Field trips, student exchanges and work placements in the UK and abroad add richness and variety to your course
• We debate and analyse real issues happening in the world right now

Content & modules

Development Studies is studied full time over three years or part-time over four years. Full time students may elect to take the programme over four years by taking a full time placement in the third year. Students normally study 4 modules (120 credits) in the teaching year (90 credits is the maximum for part-time students). The majority of modules have a credit rating of 30 points and each module will usually have two to three hours of contact per teaching week. Each module has summative assessment in the form of coursework and-or an examination which is graded and there is formative coursework during the module on which students are given feedback before the summative assessment takes place. This allows students to develop their knowledge and skills over time and through supportive feedback.

Sandwich option

If you're doing a single honours degree you can choose to do a work placement in your third year, so your degree becomes a four-year sandwich programme. Advantages are

• You apply ideas from your academic study making your education a much more meaningful experience
• You gain the practical skills that are needed for working in the field which cannot be taught at University
• You will make contacts that could come in very useful in getting your first job
• Students who have done a relevant placement tend to get a first job easier and their starting salaries tend to be higher
• Your dissertation will normally be based on the work that you did on placement, this means it involves primary or new research and makes a real contribution to our knowledge of a topic.

Modules

• Year 1

  Citizenship and Contemporary Society (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Citizenship is an expression of progress and modernity. It is therefore a critical idea in assessing the nature and the direction of change of modern society. The module aims to introduce students to the many dimensions of citizenship, the processes that have constituted it and the policies designed to improve it. It explores how the nature of citizenship has changed since the war, looking at the three periods of welfare, neo-liberalism and New Labour. Citizenship is made up of civil, political and social rights; the module charts how and why these rights have changed and examines their expression in contemporary society. In order to do this it focuses on key historical periods and issues which have the greatest influence upon citizenship. The module also develops student s skills in critical reading and argument. This will be developed formally through lectures but primarily by using citizenship-related material in the workshops and encouraging students to develop their skills in critical reading and analysis of argument as well as developing their ability to construct their own arguments. The module also includes their personal and career development skills through a combination of critical reflection on their performance, guest lectures from the careers service and the use of the learning diary.

  Introduction to Politics (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Introduces students to fundamental concepts of Political Science and the distinctions which can be drawn between theoretical and empirical approaches to the subject. Provides a preparation for subsequent modules which build upon and reinforce levels of competency gained at this stage. Includes questions on the nature of politics, the relationship between the state and civil society, authority and legitimacy.

  Social Science in the Contemporary World (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module introduces students to methods and theories that underpin the social sciences as well as giving them a grounding in key political processes, institutions and forms of global socio-economic change. The module provides a preparation for studying such approaches and phenomenon more critically and in greater detail in years two and three.

  The Construction of the Third World (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to introduce students to the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, the contemporary First and Third Worlds. The module explores how the Third World was geographically and historically constructed through processes of colonialism and post-colonial development policies in order to better understand how these have shaped the contemporary development landscape in both its professional and popular imaginations. Since the year 2000 the development agenda has been dominated by the Millennium Development Goals MDGs and their achievement has become a priority for governments and development agencies. Through critical examination of the MDG framework, those aspects that are contained within it and those omitted from it, contemporary notions of development will be critically analysed.

• Year 2

  Approaches to Research in Social Science (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module is designed for students studying programmes in the social sciences. The module aims to develop students critical evaluation of the range of appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methodologies available, and the underlying philosophical and ethical principles of social research. The module aims to make clear the links between theory, method and data as well as defining what data is within different research paradigms and the various ways of generating and analysing it. The module aims to evaluate and critique published research. Emphasis is placed on developing awareness and critique of secondary sources and especially the use of official statistics. The module will also provide an overview of the theoretical basis of social research. The module also aims to prepare students for the development of a proposal for their final year project. Throughout the module students will apply the various components of research methods to the specific subject of the programme they are studying.

  Development in Theory and Practice (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to develop understanding of the processes of development. Taking the meeting at Bretton Woods Post WWII as its starting point, the module examines how notions of development have changed over time, exploring early development theorising and its consequences in order to better understand contemporary development thinking and its critics. The module pays particular attention to changing conceptualisations of development and who defines these or constructs our development knowledge . The issue of women s status and gender inequality is used as an example throughout the module to highlight changing conceptualisations around what and who are included in development agendas and what this means for the development of these individuals. The module focuses on understanding what informs contemporary development initiatives and engages with long standing yet on-going debates around the role of economic growth in delivering development outcomes. Specific attention is paid to more recent policy initiatives particularly those promoted by the International Financial Institutions and the modules also seeks to examine the ideas of those who critique these initiatives, in turn critically deconstructing these alternative development paradigms.

  Disasters Development (30 Credits) - Optional

  Many feel that the World is becoming a more dangerous place as the number and severity of natural events, such as the Boxing day Tsunami of 2005, appear to have increased in recent years. Rather than examining how nature produces such hazards, the module focuses on how these hazardous events become disasters through examination of their differentiated impact on the human population. The module considers what happens after an event like a hurricane, and focuses on the often marginalised aspects of disasters, such as the psychosocial impact on those who survive and secondary disasters that follow such as gender based violence. The module aims to highlight how disasters are as much political, social and economic events as they are natural occurrences.

  Environment and Development (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to increase student awareness and critical understanding of environmental issues in the context of developing countries by looking at a range of case study examples of environmental degradation and applying a range of key concepts and frameworks to the analysis of these examples. Different stakeholder perspectives will be used to deepen understanding of the processes at work.

  Overseas Field Visit (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  The module aims to develop the ability to relate theoretical material from the core modules to real world case study material through providing students with first hand experience of seeing and exploring development issues within an overseas context. The module facilitates the development of key employability skills through the daily activities the students undertake in the field, and aims to help students develop field based skills of direct observation, data collection and collation and group work. On their return students are given the opportunity to reflect further, both collectively and individually, on their experience overseas and to further develop their skills in report writing and written presentation of work.

  The Theory of International Politics (15 Credits) - Optional

  Introduces students to the main theories of international relations and their application in inter-state relations.

• Year 3

  Comparative Politics (30 Credits) - Optional

  Comparative Politics examines the different political systems of the developed and developing worlds. The module considers the patterns of political behaviour adopted by very different forms of government across the world

  Development Policy Seminars (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  Development is increasingly policy rather than theory led and elements of social policy have entered the traditionally macroeconomic policy focussed prescriptions of the International Financial Institutions. This module aims to develop the ability to analyse and critique development policy from formulation through to implementation. This requires well developed critical reasoning skills and the module aims to help students develop as independent thinkers and learners who can take responsibility for facilitating debate and advancing knowledge and understanding. Their ability to do this will be evidenced through students running a series of seminars where they take the role of chair, discussant and presenter, giving students hands on experience of facilitating a session as well as presenting a paper.

  Disasters Development (30 Credits) - Optional

  Many feel that the World is becoming a more dangerous place as the number and severity of natural events, such as the Boxing day Tsunami of 2005, appear to have increased in recent years. Rather than examining how nature produces such hazards, the module focuses on how these hazardous events become disasters through examination of their differentiated impact on the human population. The module considers what happens after an event like a hurricane, and focuses on the often marginalised aspects of disasters, such as the psychosocial impact on those who survive and secondary disasters that follow such as gender based violence. The module aims to highlight how disasters are as much political, social and economic events as they are natural occurrences.

  Dissertation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

  This module aims to synthesise learning from the students undergraduate programme providing an opportunity for students to study independently and investigate a topic in depth. It fosters academic curiosity, an inquiry based approach, the employment and application of research skills thus facilitating the development of a higher level of theorising. Students will select a topic of personal interest they wish to study further and will manage their own learning during this module, with the support of an allocated supervisor for this period of independent study.

  Environment and Development (30 Credits) - Optional

  The module aims to increase student awareness and critical understanding of environmental issues in the context of developing countries by looking at a range of case study examples of environmental degradation and applying a range of key concepts and frameworks to the analysis of these examples. Different stakeholder perspectives will be used to deepen understanding of the processes at work.

  Placement Learning (60 Credits) - Optional

  Placement learning aims to link academic learning to a placement organisation providing an opportunity to apply, consolidate and develop skills and knowledge from University to the placement and future employment. This practical experience module provides the means for students to link academic work with the real world situation in order to conceptualise the meaning of theory in the wider world context. This module facilitates the embedding of transferable and graduate skills necessary for future career paths and employment. It is envisaged the student will reflect upon areas of knowledge relevant to the placement learning experience and develop personal knowledge through a review of their learning. The placement learning experience provides students with the opportunity to enhance their skills of self expression, communication, self reliance and co-operation.

Entry & applying

We normally make offers on a minimum of 220 UCAS tariff points, plus GCSE English Language at grade C. BTEC National Diploma/International Baccalaureate/Advanced Progression Diplomas at equivalent tariff. Access to HE - Pass. Applications from candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience. Additionally overseas students whose first language is not English will need a qualification that demonstrates competence in English, eg IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 paper-based or 213 computer based.

Apply now

Qualifications accepted

For a comprehensive list of qualifications accepted by Middlesex, see further information under entry requirements

English language requirements

You must have competence in English language and we normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. The most common English Language requirements for international students are IELTS 6.0 (with minimum 5.5 in all four components) or TOEFL internet based 72 (with at least 17 in listening & writing, 20 in speaking and 18 in reading).

Middlesex also offers an Intensive Academic English course (Pre-Sessional) that ranges from 5-17 weeks depending on your level of English. Successful completion of this course would meet English language entry requirements. For more information on applying for the pre-sessional please email english@mdx.ac.uk. 

Entry into year two or three (transfer students)

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex course in year two or three. For full details of how this works see transfer students

UK/EU applicants with existing higher education qualifications

If you have already been awarded a qualification at the same level as the course you are applying for, you may not be eligible for a tuition fee loan, see fees and funding for more information.

Applying

Applications for UK and EU students should be made to UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. The institution code for Middlesex is M80, and the code name is MIDDX. You also need the code for the course you wish to apply for – this is found in the 'at a glance' box above.

International students from outside the EU can make a direct application.  We have a network of regional offices across the world to assist you with your application.  They have worked with people from your region coming to Middlesex before and can help. Read more on international applications

Fees & funding

The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for UK/EU students is £9,000.
The tuition fee for the 2012/2013 academic year for International students is £10,400.

Click here to find out more about fees, funding and our scholarships in 2012.

Careers & placements

On graduating students most usually find work within the not-for-profit sector both in the UK and overseas. A relatively high proportion of students go on to study further at Masters and to doctoral level. Positive feedback from those organisations that have received students on placements indicates the usefulness and applicability of this skills and knowledge students develop during their studies.

A number of students each year are offered full time employment with their placement organisations after graduation, further suggesting that the programme at Middlesex University provides the necessary skills and knowledge to work within the field of international development.