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Image from Global Development

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Global Development

University of Leeds

(4.2)
146 reviews

Entry requirements

Here's what you will need to get a place on the Global Development course at University of Leeds.

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,B,B

Specific subject requirements

Most popular A-levels studied

See who's studying at University of Leeds. These students are taking Global Development or another course from the same subject area.

Development studies
SubjectGrade
GeographyA
HistoryA
Government and PoliticsA
SociologyA
EconomicsA
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: L920

Here's what University of Leeds says about its Global Development course.

This degree immerses you in critical debates on global development and the practices of the global development industry. You will explore the politics of inequality, poverty, economic and social development. You will also learn how the global development industry works to address these issues we link theory to practice in all elements of the degree programme. Core modules in the programme build your understanding of definitions and patterns of global development. We engage with the colonial foundations of the contemporary world and link these to current global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). You will also develop a critical understanding of how global development agencies design and deliver their programmes.

  • Study in our world ranked?School of Politics and International Studies.

  • Critically explore political, economic and social global dynamics..

  • Learn from influential academics who are helping to shape policy and practice and hear from inspiring guest speakers.

  • Spend a semester abroad, with an opportunity to study at the University of Ghana in your second year (subject to availability at the time).

  • Get the opportunity to study abroad for a year and develop an international perspective or undertake a work placement to gain practical experience.

  • Add an analytical focus to your degree with the opportunity to apply for a Quantitative Research Methods pathway, helping you develop advanced analytical skills that are in high demand by employers worldwide.

Join our powerful learning network

Our Centre for Global Development brings together our Global Development teaching team, comprised of academics who are leaders in their fields. Many have advised governments, NGOs and international organisations in their specialist areas, and have experience of living, researching and conducting fieldwork in the Global South.

This course has strong connections to active research centres across the University that are involved in teaching, researching and debating international development topics. You’ll have the chance to get engaged with units such as the?Leeds Social Science Institute (LSSI)?and the?Leeds University Centre for African Studies (LUCAS).

Source: University of Leeds

Course details

There are a few options in how you might study Global Development at University of Leeds.

Check the

3 course options available.

Qualification

Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Department

School of Politics and International Studies

Location

Main Site | Leeds

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• International development

Start date

23 September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

The modules you will study

Visit our website for the latest information on which modules we offer. https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/f485/international-development-ba

University of Leeds student reviews

(4.2)
Based on 146 reviews from University of Leeds's students and alumni
5 star
41%
4 star
44%
3 star
13%
2 star
1%
1 star
1%
All reviews

Showing 128 reviews

3rd year student

2 years ago

The Student Union at the University of Leeds is exceptional. It offers robust support, diverse activities, and represents student interests effectively. From welfare services to inclusive events, the union enhances student life and fosters a sense of community on campus. It's truly a vital resource ...

(5)
Student Union

3rd year student

2 years ago

University life at the University of Leeds is vibrant and diverse, offering state-of-the-art facilities, a rich community, and numerous opportunities for academic and personal growth. With a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, students can engage in various activities and build lifelong conn...

(5)
University life

3rd year student

2 years ago

the university offers various support services, including financial aid advice and budgeting assistance, to help students manage their expenses effectively.

(5)
Finance

3rd year student

2 years ago

From counseling and mental health resources to career guidance and academic assistance, students have access to comprehensive support throughout their university journey. The university also provides various student-led initiatives and programs aimed at fostering inclusivity and community engagement...

(5)
Support

3rd year student

2 years ago

The faculty at the University of Leeds, especially within the International Relations department, is exceptionally knowledgeable and supportive. They are passionate about teaching and go the extra mile to ensure students understand complex concepts. Approachable and dedicated, they inspire students ...

(5)
Facilities

3rd year student

2 years ago

The diverse academic programs in international relations have provided me with valuable insights into global affairs and diplomatic relations. The faculty members, with their expertise and guidance, have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of complex geopolitical issues.

(5)
Course

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Leeds

The NSS is an annual survey where final-year students are asked to rate different aspects of their course and university experience.

Here you can see ratings from University of Leeds students who took the Global Development course - or another course in the same subject area.

Development studies

Select an option to see a detailed breakdown

How often does your course challenge you to achieve your best work?

79%

med

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

79%

low

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

77%

low

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

93%

med

To what extent have you had the chance to bring together information and ideas from different topics?

93%

med

How well does your course introduce subjects and skills in a way that builds on what you have already learned?

50%

low

How well has your course developed your knowledge and skills that you think you will need for your future?

64%

low

To what extent have you had the chance to explore ideas and concepts in depth?

86%

med

To what extent does your course have the right balance of directed and independent study?

50%

low

How well have assessments allowed you to demonstrate what you have learned?

71%

low

How fair has the marking and assessment been on your course?

100%

high

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

50%

low

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

79%

med

How clear were the marking criteria used to assess your work?

79%

med

How easy was it to contact teaching staff when you needed to?

93%

med

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

71%

low

How well were any changes to teaching on your course communicated?

62%

low

How well organised is your course?

64%

low

How well have the IT resources and facilities supported your learning?

54%

low

How well have the library resources (e.g., books, online services and learning spaces) supported your learning?

79%

low

How easy is it to access subject specific resources (e.g., equipment, facilities, software) when you need them?

86%

med

How clear is it that students' feedback on the course is acted on?

50%

low

To what extent do you get the right opportunities to give feedback on your course?

79%

low

To what extent are students' opinions about the course valued by staff?

64%

low

How well does the students' union (association or guild) represent students' academic interests?

64%

low

During your studies, how free did you feel to express your ideas, opinions, and beliefs?

85%

low

How well communicated was information about your university/college's mental wellbeing support services?

83%

med

Student information

See who's studying at University of Leeds. These students are taking Global Development or another course from the same subject area.

Development studies
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female68%Male32%
Where students come from
International24%UK76%
Student performance
2:1 or above87%
Number of students115
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

Facts and figures about University of Leeds graduates who took Global Development - or another course in the same subject area.

Development studies

Graduate statistics

70%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

65%

In work, study or other activity

75%

Say it fits with future plans

45%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

25%

Business and public service associate professionals

20%

Welfare and housing associate professionals

5%

Administrative occupations

5%

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

Earnings from University of Leeds graduates who took Global Development - or another course in the same subject area.

Sociology, social policy and anthropology

Earnings

£22.6k

First year after graduation

£27.4k

Third year after graduation

£30.3k

Fifth year after graduation

Shown here are the median earnings of graduates at one, three and five years after they completed a course related to Global Development.

Source: LEO

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree

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