University of Chester

Course Details

BA (Hons) Combined / BSc (Hons) Combined International Development Studies (IDS)

Course Description

* Specialist modules which scrutinise the theory, rhetoric, policy and practice of development and underdevelopment * The opportunity to investigate issues in a range of socio-economic, political, cultural, historical and environmental contexts at different scales (global to local) * Study of a range of perspectives to present holistic analyses of international affairs * Active engagement throughout the course with employers and practitioners in the development sector * Opportunities to complete a work placement in an international development context in Year 2 * Study visit to the United Nations in Geneva in Year 3 to explore at first hand the roles and activities of a range of UN agencies * Combines well with Geography and Natural Hazard Management as well as a wide range of non-geography subjects Issues of development and underdevelopment have risen to the fore in the last 15 years as governments and individuals have come under pressure to think in international as well as in national terms. This is partly because of the increasingly global nature of economic, political and cultural flows and growing awareness of the interrelationships that exist between developed and developing countries in an era of intensifying globalisation. The international agenda is driven by groups representing interests ranging from environmental and humanitarian affairs, to the needs of business, trade and global security. Recent key issues include: global citizenship, climate change, sustainable development, poverty and debt, free trade and fair trade, migration and political asylum, anti-capitalism/anti-globalisation, HIV/AIDS, child labour and corporate responsibility, international terrorism and the global credit crunch. The core programme is augmented by a wide range of extra-curricular seminars, events and voluntary opportunities in and around Chester.

Course Duration

NumberDuration
3year

Career outcomes

* * Specialist modules which scrutinise the theory, rhetoric, policy and practice of development and underdevelopment * The opportunity to investigate issues in a range of socio-economic, political, cultural, historical and environmental contexts at different scales (global to local) * Study of a range of perspectives to present holistic analyses of international affairs * Active engagement throughout the course with employers and practitioners in the development sector * Opportunities to complete a work placement in an international development context in Year 2 * Study visit to the United Nations in Geneva in Year 3 to explore at first hand the roles and activities of a range of UN agencies * Combines well with Geography and Natural Hazard Management as well as a wide range of non-geography subjects Issues of development and underdevelopment have risen to the fore in the last 15 years as governments and individuals have come under pressure to think in international as well as in national terms. This is partly because of the increasingly global nature of economic, political and cultural flows and growing awareness of the interrelationships that exist between developed and developing countries in an era of intensifying globalisation. The international agenda is driven by groups representing interests ranging from environmental and humanitarian affairs, to the needs of business, trade and global security. Recent key issues include: global citizenship, climate change, sustainable development, poverty and debt, free trade and fair trade, migration and political asylum, anti-capitalism/anti-globalisation, HIV/AIDS, child labour and corporate responsibility, international terrorism and the global credit crunch. The core programme is augmented by a wide range of extra-curricular seminars, events and voluntary opportunities in and around Chester. Geography & Development Studies You study 60 credits in International Development Studies in your first two years, and up to 80 credits in the final year – the majority in modules which run from October through to April/May. Year 1 (Level 4) This year is designed to expose you to a wide range of skills and knowledge. You study modules in three core areas: * Introduction to World Development (20 credits) * People, Hazards and Resources (20 credits) * Foundations for Successful Studentship (20 credits) The latter is designed to help you make an effective transition into your higher education studies and includes field work based in Liverpool, studying black and ethnic minority organisations to develop your research skills. Year 2 (Level 5) This year offers you the opportunity to progress to more specialist work. You take modules in two core areas: * Challenges of Development – explores the challenges presented by the many political, social, economic and environmental structures and processes around development. Topics covered range from the activities of global institutions such as the UN, World Bank and International Monetary Fund, to healthcare in the developing world, to urbanisation and desertification (20 credits) * Researcher Development – enhances field and laboratory methods in International Development Studies, before designing your final year Dissertation research project (20 credits) In the summer term several opportunities are available for all students to take part in work-based or experiential learning: * A six week Work Based Learning placement either in the UK or an international context. This can relate to your interests (e.g. work for a development NGO), or explore a specific career path (e.g. teaching). Students in recent years have worked in a wide range of countries including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi Ghana, Vietnam, Nepal, Philippines, Brazil, Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica. Year 3 (Level 6) In Year 3 Combined Honours International Development Studies students have the option to major in International Development Studies (80 credits), minor in International Development Studies (40 credits), or to continue to study your two subjects in equal proportions (60 credits each). The core Year 3 module Development in Practice (40 credits) examines the major players in development practice and the frameworks and effectiveness of development strategies and programmes. This module includes a four-day study visit to the offices of the United Nations in Geneva, to study at first hand the activities of a variety of key development agencies including UNDP, UNICEF, UNHCR, WTO and WHO. Combined Honours students majoring in International Development Studies may complete a Dissertation (extended project, 40 credits) or Independent Project (20 credits) on an IDS topic of your choice. The remaining modules at Year 3 are a selection of taught options reflecting the research interests of the lecturers and the diversity of the subject. Currently these include: * Emerging Nations: China and India (20 credits) * Sustainable Futures (20 credits) * Tourism and Development (20 credits) * Excluded Peoples: Migrants and Refugees (20 credits) * Environment, Poverty and Health (20 credits) Most final year modules involve collaboration with external agencies/practitioners. Next: Assessment Assessment is through a combination of examination and continuous (coursework) assessment. The department engages in a wide variety of innovative and imaginative coursework assignments, from podcasting, oral presentations and posters to briefing papers, consultancy reports and essays. You are prepared for these assignments through a combination of lectures, workshop practicals, seminars, tutorials, group projects, fieldwork, and online digital resources - as well as through one-to-one work with tutors in the case of dissertations and individual project work. As you progress in your studies you will increasingly learn through independent research outside the classroom. Year 1 * Assessment: The majority of modules use a 50:50 examination/coursework assessment pattern * Teaching: The actual mix varies with topic. A typical module involves two-three hours contact per week (1 hour lecture and 1-2 hours practical) Year 2 * Assessment: Approximately 60% of all assessment is through coursework * Teaching: The norm is a two-hour session per week with a mix of lectures and practicals Year 3 * Assessment: Up to 80% of assessment derives from coursework * Teaching: The norm is a two-hour session per week with a mix of lectures and practicals Your final degree is calculated on the basis of results from your second (33% of the overall final mark) and third (67%) years of study. Next: Careers The course will prepare you for a wide range of jobs including: Jobs directly related to your degree: * International aid/development worker Jobs where your degree would be useful: * Charity fundraiser * Charity officer * Community development worker * Community education officer * Emergency planning/management officer * Volunteer co-ordinator * Water engineer * Environmental consultant * Environmental education officer You will be equipped with transferable skills which are valued by employers such as: * Problem solving; * Working under pressure; * Project management; * Cross-cultural sensitivity; * Decision making; * Self-awareness and organisational awareness * Written and oral communication * IT * Time management * Team work If you are studying this course on a combined basis you should look at options with both subjects. For further information please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/careers




BA (Hons) Combined / BSc (Hons) Combined International Development Studies (IDS) University of Chester