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

International Development

University of Sussex

(3.8)
138 reviews

Entry requirements

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

Select a qualification to see required grades

A level

A,B,B

You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Most popular A-levels studied

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

International development
SubjectGrade
GeographyC
PsychologyA
SociologyB
EconomicsB
English LiteratureB
Source: HESA

Course summary

What this course is about

UCAS code: L900

Here's what University of Sussex says about its International Development course.

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

About the course

The world is shaped by global challenges such as climate change, new conflicts, changing migration patterns and deepening inequalities.

At Sussex, you’ll explore these issues. You’ll look at the institutional legacies and structures of power that shape them, and you’ll examine what’s being done to address them. You’ll learn from specialists in areas such as climate justice, markets and finance, gender and sexuality, social justice and rights, health and new technologies. Building on our expertise, you’ll develop the critical knowledge and practical tools to be part of the change you want to see in the world.

On your course, you’ll take an interdisciplinary view. You’ll learn about global challenges from different perspectives including Anthropology, Geography, International Relations, Education and Economics. Throughout your studies, you’ll:

  • learn about the root causes of poverty and inequality from a global perspective of social justice

  • challenge simplistic understandings of what development is, who it is for and who it is done by

  • understand how development practitioners, policy-makers, social movements and affected communities around the world are responding to new challenges

  • collaborate with fellow students to design creative and innovative responses to work towards alternative futures

-take electives from other subjects – from philosophy to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.

You’ll become a part of a vibrant and welcoming community of staff and students passionate about achieving greater social and environmental justice.

When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and critical hope you need to participate in creating just and equitable change. You’ll have the skills and confidence to start a rewarding global career in areas such as development policy, practice or advocacy.

About Sussex

Our courses, research, culture and campus aim to stimulate, excite and challenge. From scientific discovery to global policy, from student welfare to career development, Sussex innovates and takes a lead. And today, in every part of society and across the world, you'll find someone from Sussex making an original and valuable contribution.

Location

Study on our beautiful, green campus on the edge of the South Downs National Park and just minutes from the vibrant seaside city of Brighton & Hove. We’re near to Gatwick airport and just over an hour from London.

Source: University of Sussex

Course details

Qualification

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

Department

International Relations

Location

Main Site | Brighton

Duration

3 Years

Study mode

Full-time

Subjects

• International development

Start date

21 September 2026

Application deadline

14 January 2026

Tuition fees

LocationFees
England£9,535 per year
Scotland£9,535 per year
Wales£9,535 per year
Northern Ireland£9,535 per year
Channel Islands£9,535 per year
Republic of Ireland£9,535 per year
EU£23,500 per year
International£23,500 per year

The modules you will study

See the modules you will study by year by going to the 'view course details' link.

University of Sussex student reviews

(3.8)
Based on 138 reviews from University of Sussex's students and alumni
5 star
28%
4 star
38%
3 star
25%
2 star
6%
1 star
4%
All reviews

Showing 120 reviews

1st year student

1 year ago

Two stars: Could be better

(2)
Student Union

1st year student

1 year ago

Not really a social being

(3)
University life

1st year student

1 year ago

Accommodation is quite expensive in this region and the need for a guarantor adds another expense.

(3)
Finance

1st year student

1 year ago

As an international student, i have had a pleasant experience with the staff members especially with the academic advisor team

(4)
Support

1st year student

1 year ago

Ancient and not really modern

(2)
Facilities

1st year student

1 year ago

The modules on my course have been carefully chosen to reflect the current movement and actualities within the financial industry

(3)
Course

National Student Survey (NSS) scores at University of Sussex

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 Sussex students who took the International 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?

86%

high

How good are teaching staff at explaining things?

93%

med

How often do teaching staff make the subject engaging?

91%

med

How often is the course intellectually stimulating?

87%

med

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

87%

low

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

91%

med

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

81%

med

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

87%

med

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

72%

low

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

85%

med

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

87%

med

How often does feedback help you to improve your work?

78%

med

How often have you received assessment feedback on time?

78%

med

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

78%

med

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

89%

med

How well have teaching staff supported your learning?

91%

med

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

92%

high

How well organised is your course?

93%

med

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

89%

med

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

95%

med

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

88%

high

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

66%

med

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

89%

med

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

86%

med

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

80%

med

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

85%

med

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

81%

med

Student information

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

International development
Mode of study
Full-time100%
Gender ratio
Female66%Male34%
Where students come from
International27%UK73%
Student performance
2:1 or above78%
Number of students465
Source: HESA

Graduate prospects

What graduates do next

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

Development studies

Graduate statistics

65%

In a job where degree was essential or beneficial

80%

In work, study or other activity

70%

Say it fits with future plans

35%

Are utilising studies

Top job areas

20%

Business and public service associate professionals

15%

Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

15%

Elementary occupations

10%

Administrative occupations

Graduate statistics percentages are determined 15 months after a student graduates

Earnings after graduation

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

Sociology, social policy and anthropology

Earnings

£21.2k

First year after graduation

£27k

Third year after graduation

£31k

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 International 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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