Course overview

The significance of development in the twenty-first century goes far beyond poverty as we become increasingly aware of the inter-connectedness of our world. Growing economic globalisation, the challenges of global governance, trans-national concerns such as climate change and migration, and our ability to relate to other cultures, are all issues which relate to international development. Gender relations, unequal access to resources, political development, and the international balance of power are also central to our understanding of development and the developing world today.

A degree in International Development Studies at the University of Portsmouth provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and understanding of these complex issues, and to acquire a range of skills which are valued by public and private sector employers and the voluntary sector. Core units in economics, human geography and international relations expand and deepen your knowledge and understanding of development theories and practices. Language skills play an essential part in inter-cultural awareness and, at Portsmouth, language study is an option throughout the degree programme. In addition to French, German, Italian, Mandarin and Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic can also be studied as options.

Awareness of the history and cultures of a wide range of developing countries and regions is conveyed through Area Studies units. By studying North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, Central America and South America, China and Russia you will gain a broad understanding of the developing world, and an appreciation of the diversity between regions and countries, and their relationship. Awareness of and sensitivity to other cultures is further developed through a range of units on inter-cultural communication and managing across cultures. Other transferable skills which are highly valued by employers are provided through elective units and include volunteering in the community, social enterprise, advocacy and basic legal skills.

Placements

This course allows you to take the Learning From Experience (LiFE) option, which lets you earn credits toward your degree for work / research placements, volunteer roles or internships undertaken alongside your studies.  The option gives you the opportunity to enhance your employability skills, to reflect on the ways in which you've done so, and to learn to express this to potential employers.

National Student Survey Results 2010

In 2011's National Student Survey results for European Languages and Area Studies, Portsmouth came joint top nationally. Students’ responses show that they particularly appreciate staff availability and the pastoral support provided by staff in the School of Languages and Area Studies.

For further details on all language courses offered, visit the website of the School of Languages and Area Studies (SLAS). If you are interested in this course and would like further information please contact us (details below). You can also view a virtual tour of the School.

Course content

Throughout your degree programme, core units will expand and deepen your knowledge and understanding of development theories and practices. These are complemented by units in related disciplines that include economics, human geography and international relations. You will also learn about the history and cultures of a wide range of developing countries and language options in Spanish, French or Mandarin are an integral part of these courses at all stages. Other languages are available as electives; these include Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Arabic.

Year 1

In your first year, you will take introductory units to the disciplines that you will cover on the course.

• Introduction to Development Studies: Policy & Practice
• Introduction to the Developing World
• Intro to International Relations: States Conflict & Cooperation
• Introduction to Political Economy
• Studying at University
• Developing Research Skills

Year 2

As this course progresses, you will take core units that provide a coherent understanding of key issues in international development. Additionally, there is a range of options that will allow you to pursue your own particular interests.

• Key Issues in Development
• Global Environmental Issues and Concerns
• Options including:
  • Democratisation in Latin America
  • Development Economics
  • US Foreign Policy: Ideals and Self Interest
  • International Politics of the Middle East
  • Conflict & Disaster
  • Pre-Columbian & Colonial Latin America
  • Managing Across Cultures
  • North American City
  • Language
  • Colonialism & the End of Empire in Black Africa: France & West Africa
  • Russian Politics
  • 20th & 21st Century Chinese History, Politics & Society
  • Colonialism & the End of Empire in North Africa: France & Algeria
  • Protecting The Environment In Europe

Final year

A large part of your final year is given over to specialist study, including the preparation of a dissertation.

• Dissertation
• Development & Foreign Aid
• Development Special Subject
• Options including:
  • Colonialism & the End of Empire in Black Africa: France & West Africa
  • Global Political Economy
  • City & Nation: The Latin American Urban Experience
  • Europe In The World
  • Gender & Development
  • Transitional Justice & Human Rights In Latin America
  • Colonialism & End Empire In North Africa: France & Algeria
  • Contemporary Issues & Controversies In Latin America
  • China & East Asian Economies
  • Protecting the Environment in Europe

Teaching and assessment

We provide a varied, creative and stimulating learning environment. Our aim is to enable you to become an independent thinker equipped with skills that will continue to influence your experiences beyond your time at university.

Your courses at University of Portsmouth will involve both lectures and seminars. Most of our seminar teaching is undertaken in small groups so that students acquire skills and confidence in their analytical skills and are encouraged to ask questions and develop arguments and debates. Students are encouraged to work in small teams analysing primary documents and debating contemporary issues so that all students learn from a range of opinions and interpretations and increase their academic abilities in a genial environment. Emphasis is also placed not just on what the student can take from the seminar but what they can bring to the experience and how they interact and learn from their peers.

We use continuous assessment on our degree programmes. The assessment methods are varied, incorporating some formal examinations but with a main focus on assessments through case studies, projects (including using internet resources), presentations, book reviews and creative writing assignments. The focus is to encourage enthusiastic learners by having engaging and challenging assignments that will develop important academic and life skills.

Our staff are highly motivated and research active, ensuring that you are taught by enthusiastic specialists in their subjects.

Career prospects

Your time at University of Portsmouth will help you to develop a wide range of skills in analysis, criticism and argument. Students on our degree programmes often have a worldview and study experience abroad, which makes them flexible and adaptable and highly employable. During your course, you will have the opportunity to develop a range of capabilities that are valued by prospective employers. You will have many opportunities to develop transferable key skills such as:

• communication
• research
• time management
• team working
• problem solving

These transferable skills are used in many careers across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Allied with intellectual and academic development, they will provide a sound preparation for the world of work or further study.

Career paths

Whether it is working as a project manager on social care projects in the UK or for international agencies in Africa, the International Development Studies programme will give you the transferable skills and subject knowledge to make you suitable for a wide range of jobs across the globe.

From this course students may also go on to undertake postgraduate study, either in the UK or abroad, or to work for international organisations based in this country or overseas.

Facilities and features

The School is located in Park Building, just behind the Guildhall in the centre of the city. Park Building houses two large, modern, high-tech lecture theatres, a number of smaller but equally high-tech lecture theatres, four computer suites, multimedia digital classrooms and editing suites. The Learning Resource Centre provides facilities for independent study, including listening booths, video/DVD/CD players and satellite TV monitors.

You will also have access to the University Library. Open from 8am until midnight every day during term-time, it provides an abundance of information to help with study and research. It has also invested heavily in the purchase of electronic resources. There are thousands of electronic journals and ebooks, which can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Entry requirements

View all the entry requirements for BA (Hons) International Development Studies for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).