Global Development

Global development is a discipline that takes seriously the profound inequalities that persist between and within nations and asks what produces them, how they are sustained and what might be done to address them. It draws on economics, political science, sociology, anthropology and geography to examine how global systems of trade, finance, governance and power shape the opportunities available to people in different parts of the world, and how development interventions, from foreign aid and microfinance to structural adjustment and community-led initiatives, succeed or fail in their stated aims.

At the University of York, this three-year full-time programme deepens your understanding of global challenges and inequalities, developing your awareness of how global problems are created, exacerbated and addressed. You will engage with theories of development and underdevelopment alongside case studies of specific regions, sectors and types of intervention, building the critical and analytical skills to evaluate evidence about what works and why. A sandwich year provides extended professional experience in a development or policy context, a year abroad gives you direct exposure to a different national or regional context, and a work placement further strengthens your practical understanding of how development organisations operate in practice.

A typical entry tariff of 152 points reflects the level of analytical preparation the programme expects, and the combination of academic rigour and substantial professional and international exposure is a strong preparation for careers in the development sector.

Graduates pursue careers in international development organisations, NGOs, government departments dealing with international development and foreign affairs, multilateral institutions, think tanks and social enterprises. The analytical and critical skills developed through the programme are also valued in journalism, policy research, consultancy and the voluntary sector. Postgraduate study in development studies, international relations, political economy or public policy is a well-established route for those who wish to specialise or pursue research careers.