This programme explores some of the world’s most pressing development challenges, from poverty and inequality, to migration, conflict and climate change.
In our increasingly globalised world, these problems are growing in complexity and significance. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to tackle these challenges by 2030, but this will require global effort, co-ordination and vision.
On the BA International Relations and Development programme you will apply an international relations lens to understanding and addressing the challenge of global development and learn how development is affected by relations between states, in theory and in practice. You will explore theories of economic and social development, from colonialism to dependency, and develop core disciplinary skills in international relations and international political economy. You will apply these theories to a variety of examples of development and change from across the world, and critically examine different forms of development assistance, from aid to trade relations.
You will explore the implications of international relations for poverty, conflict and inequality through a range of case studies and practical exercises. The BA International Relations and Development programme uses real-world puzzles to bring to life the complex challenges of doing development in practice. It includes a specially designed Working in Development module, which will provide hands-on experience of common tools used in development projects and programmes.
The International Relations and Development programme aims to bridge the gap between your academic study and future professional life by ensuring you can apply theory to practice, and providing you with real world insights. You will have the opportunity to undertake a study visit to a low- or middle-income country, allowing you to meet a range of actors working in a development context. You will also have an opportunity to undertake a work placement through our integrated Professional Development Module. This aims to help you to identify your personal and professional strengths, and reflect on the skills you may need to prepare you for the world of work.
The programme is co-delivered with the Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) department.
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
BA International Relations and Development
Course Level:
Undergraduate, Single Honours
Credits
120
Course
CODE U456
How long it takes:
Undergraduate (3 years)
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$20,220
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
Year one
Compulsory modules
- Politics of Development
- Global development challenges I/II
- Understanding International Relations
- Pathways to International Relations Research 1 and 2
- Global History
- Introduction to International Development
Year two
Compulsory modules
- Understanding development assistance
- Working in development
- International relations theory
Optional modules
Three second-year optional modules from IDD and POLSIS
- Economic perspectives on development (IDD)
- Governing states and societies (IDD)
Public Choice Theory | International Political Economy | Diplomatic History post 1945 |
British Politics | International Relations Theory | International Security |
International Politics & Security in Russia & Eurasia | Modern Political Thought | Analysing Political Worlds |
International Relations of the Middle East | Feminist Political Ideas | Comparative Politics |
Elections and Voting in Britain | America and the Middle East through Politics and Film | Understanding Foreign Policy |
Final year
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation
Optional modules
Four final-year modules from below. A 50/50 split of credits between IDD and POLSIS.
- Development: The environmental challenge (IDD)
- Identity, inequality and inclusive development (IDD)
- African politics (IDD)
Environment, Politics and Society A and B | War-Torn States and Post-Conflict Reconstruction in the South | Power in Britain |
Contemporary US Foreign and Security Policy | Contemporary International Political Economy | Topics in British Politics |
Democracy and Democratization in Contemporary Europe | Left Parties and Protest Movements | Gender in World Politics |
Issues in US Domestic Politics | Global Capitalism and Migration | Law, Politics and the International System: Mediating Power beyond the State |
Varieties of Capitalism and Welfare State Models | Russian Foreign Policy | Security in Europe: Actors, Crises and Threats |
Strategy and Decision-Making | Conflict, Statehood and Sovereignty in World Politics | Politics of Migrants, Refugees, and Diasporas in the Middle East |
Politics, Music and the Arts | Global Uprisings: Critique and Radical Politics | New Media, Social Media, and International Politics |
Entry requirements
Applicants should normally have one of the following:
- A non-law bachelor’s degree (from a UK university or recognised by the BSB if you wish to study the BPTC), or
- A ‘stale’ law degree, where five or more years have elapsed since graduation, or
- An academic or professional qualification at degree equivalent level
If English is not your first language, you will also need to demonstrate your English Language proficiency. For example, you should have IELTS 7.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components.
If you intend to become a Solicitor
The Solicitors Regulation Authority has reduced its requirements for pre-authorisation this year. For details of the current arrangements, see the SRA website. You should pay special attention to the Character and Suitability section. If you think you may have a character or suitability issue, you may wish to clarify with the SRA before proceeding with the GDL.
See further details of our English Language requirement
USA,UK & EU students, 2019/20 (per year)
£8,500
International students starting 2019/20 (per year)
£13,100
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
A pathway to a career in international development
Globally, a huge range of organisations are working for inclusive development, opening up a variety of opportunities to pursue a career in the sector. This includes international agencies such as the United Nations, national aid agencies like the UK’s Department for International Development, and local civil society organisations operating all over the world.
Our degrees are carefully designed to provide the knowledge and skills these kinds of employers value – from critical thinking and problem-solving, to practical experience of frameworks for designing, monitoring and evaluating development. While our degrees are tailored for a career in development, these skills are also highly transferable to a range of government or non-governmental sectors.