University of Portsmouth United Kingdom

International Development BA (Hons)

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 3 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The International Development BA (Hons) at the University of Portsmouth equips you to tackle critical global challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. You will explore the complex interplay between governments, international organisations, and NGOs, gaining insights into effective strategies for improving lives worldwide. This degree is ideal if you aspire to a national or international career in community development, advocacy, policy, or public affairs, and want to build the confidence to drive positive change in areas such as gender equality, human rights, and global security.

This full-time, on-campus undergraduate degree is studied over three years, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. You will engage with modules covering key themes in international relations, political thought, and the geopolitics of regions like Africa, alongside opportunities to analyse foreign policy or explore development in Latin America. In your final year, you will undertake a significant dissertation or major project, allowing you to conduct in-depth, self-directed research. You will graduate with a strong foundation for careers in international organisations, NGOs, or governmental bodies, prepared to make a tangible impact.

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Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This BA (Hons) in International Development offers a comprehensive exploration of global challenges and solutions. You will critically examine concepts of global development, international relations, and political thought, while delving into the historical making of the Global South. The program further investigates contemporary issues such as climate crises, geopolitics, and the complexities of development in regions like Africa and Latin America, alongside a wide array of elective modules to tailor your specialization. Culminating in a dissertation or major project, this degree equips you with analytical skills to understand and engage with international development.

1 Year 1

Critical Thinking and Professional Identity Compulsory
Global Development Compulsory
Key Themes in International Relations Compulsory
Political Thought Compulsory
The Making of the Global South Compulsory

2 Year 2

Climate Crises Compulsory
The Geopolitics and Geo-Economics of Africa Compulsory
Analysing Foreign Policy Elective
Development and Democracy in Latin America Elective
East Asian States and Societies Elective
Empire and its Afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa Elective
Engaged Citizenship in Humanities and Social Sciences Elective
Global Security Elective
Intercultural Perspectives on Communication Elective
Marketing and Communication Elective
Modernity and Globalisation Elective
Nationalism and Migration: Chaos, Crisis and the Everyday Elective
News, Discourse and Media Elective
Principles of Economic Crime Investigation Elective
Puritans to Postmodernists: American Literature Elective
Transitional Justice and Human Rights Elective
Wildlife Crime: Threats and Response Elective
Gender and Social Justice Elective
Managing Across Cultures Elective
Professional Experience Elective
Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Elective

3 Year 3

Rethinking Aid and Development Compulsory
Dissertation (International Development) Elective
Major Project Elective
Global Capitalism: Past, Present and Future Elective
NGOs and Social Movements Elective
Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates Elective
Race, Rights and Development: Global Perspectives on Inequality and Social Justice Elective
Decolonial Politics and Theory in International Relations Elective
Global Health Elective
Independent Project (International Development) Elective
Professional Experience Elective
Religion and Politics in Global Perspective Elective

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 24,195.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 72,586.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 912.00 - USD 2,400.00
Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,028.00
Transport USD 645.00 - USD 1,289.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 1,934.00
Estimated Total USD 4,190.00 - USD 7,251.00

Living cost estimates are based on Portsmouth Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

94%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agricultural Technology & Precision FarmingAirport Infrastructure & Aviation SecurityEconomic Research & PolicyEdTech & E-LearningEducational Support ServicesFinancial Technology (Fintech)Fisheries & AquacultureProduct Design & PrototypingProduct Management & UXRoad Transport & Logistics

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AECOM

BAE System

EY

European commission

HSBC Bank

IBM

National Farmers'​ Union

University of Portsmouth

Why Study International Development BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Portsmouth in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about International Development BA (Hons) at University of Portsmouth

Can I work while studying?

Degree course students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks, with no separate work permit needed. Part-time students are not allowed to work.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, international students must meet English proficiency requirements: TOEFL (overall 91), IELTS (overall 6.0), or PTE (overall 61). Minimum scores for each component vary, so it's essential to confirm specific criteria before applying.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include community developer, policy analyst, advocacy officer, project manager, and public affairs specialist.

What will I actually study in this course?

On this BA (Hons) International Development degree course, you’ll learn to address some of the major global challenges of our time such as poverty and hunger, environmental sustainability, universal education and health care.

You'll expand your understanding of the role and purpose of cooperation between governments, international organisations and non-governmental organisation (NGOs) in international development, using this to gain insights into strategies to improve people's

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The International Development BA (Hons) program has an intake month of September each year, when new students can begin their academic journey in international development.
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