COURSE CURRICULUM

In your first year, you will develop a strong foundation in the field of international development through core modules that introduce you to critical global issues, key theoretical perspectives, and the roles of various development actors. The year begins with Big Questions for People and Planet, a thought-provoking module that challenges you to explore major global challenges—such as climate change, poverty, and inequality—through an interdisciplinary lens. It encourages you to question the sustainability of development models and consider the interplay of environmental, economic, and social dimensions in shaping human wellbeing.Alongside this, Perspectives on Global Development introduces a range of theoretical approaches to understanding development, from neoliberalism and human development to critiques rooted in decolonial and postcolonial thought. This module sharpens your ability to analyse development policy and practice critically, and to reflect on the historical and structural forces behind global inequality. You will compare diverse perspectives and gain insight into how they influence real-world decisions and outcomes.Shared Futures then shifts the focus to the institutions and actors involved in development—such as governments, NGOs, social movements, and the private sector—and examines how their interactions shape policy and practice across different contexts. Through case studies, you will learn how people across the globe work collectively to tackle issues like poverty and environmental degradation, while also understanding the challenges and contradictions that arise in this process.By the end of the year, you will have a well-rounded understanding of the complexities and debates within global development, preparing you for more specialised study in your second year. This foundation also helps build the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that will support your academic progression and future professional practice in development work.