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 and Languages 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 study is an integral part of this degree programme. French, Mandarin and Spanish can all be studied to degree level; other languages can also be studied as options. Language skills play an essential part in inter-cultural awareness. Moreover, many development organisations and international NGOs now require high-level language skills in at least one foreign language, so if you think you might in future want to work overseas in the development field, this is the ideal course for you.

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.

The third year of this programme may be spent studying or working abroad or in the UK. View these videos to give you an idea of what you can expect on your period abroad.

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.

One of the UK's top universities for Languages and European Studies

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 are an integral part of these courses at all stages. On this course, you can study French, Spanish or Mandarin Chinese to degree level and, if you wish to learn a further language, you can choose one of the following as an elective: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Arabic.

Year 1

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

• Either General Language 1 (Beginner) (40)
  Or General Language 3 (Intermediate) + Language Project 1
• Introduction to Development Studies: Policy and Practice
• Introduction to the Developing World
• 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 interest.

• General Language (Grade 2 / Grade 4)
• General Language (Grade 2)/ Language for Professional Communication 1
• Key Issues in Development
• Options including:
  • Global Environmental Issues and Concerns
  • Development Economics
  • Democratisation in Latin America
  • North American City
  • Pre-Columbian and Colonial Latin America
  • International Politics of the Middle East
  • Conflict and Disaster
  • Managing Across Cultures (L5)
  • Language
  • Colonialism & End Empire in Black Africa: France & West Africa 
  • Russian Politics
  • 20 Credits From:
    • China and East Asian Economies
    • Colonialism & End Empire in North Africa: France and Algeria 
    • Protecting the Environment in Europe

Study abroad

In SLAS, we support the view that study abroad provides a rich and dynamic learning experience by enhancing the international dimensions of the curriculum and fostering inter-cultural awareness. These skills and qualities are highly valued by graduate employers in an increasingly global labour market.

BA (Hons) Languages and International Development Studies is a four year programme which provides students with an opportunity to study French, Spanish or Mandarin to degree level. Students spend their third year in a country where the target language is spoken, and during this time students may undertake intensive language study at a university or engage in relevant work experience. On returning to their final year, students continue with core units in Language reaching degree level.

You may also study BA (Hons) International Development Studies with Languages, a three year programme. Students are not required to spend the third year abroad and consequently they do not attain degree level in the language studied. Instead, in the final year, they may drop the language units in favour of additional development studies or area studies units. The University encourages students to gain practical experience whenever possible. Those who wish to undertake a work placement must ensure that their offer is appropriate to their programme of study and that all the prerequisites of the University are met.

Final year

A large part of your final year is given over to specialist study, including the preparation of a dissertation. However, there are some core units too:

• Dissertation
• Development and Foreign Aid
• Development Special Subject
• Language for Professional Communication 2
• General Language 6

Three-year programmes

Languages combined honours programmes recruit as 4 year programmes, with the third year spent abroad in a country where the target language is spoken. Students who cannot undertake the Year Abroad because of changes in personal circumstances transfer to a 3 year variant and drop the language at the end of the second year. Their degree will be 'with Languages'.

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.

Work experience

Students taking International Development Studies with Languages may choose to study at one of our partner universities within the EU as part of the EU Erasmus ‘student mobility’ programme. This means that you will not have to pay fees (they are waived) and that you will receive a grant from the EU (covering living costs). In addition you will benefit from an intensive language course at the beginning of your stay, which is in many cases provided free of charge as part of the Erasmus programme. Alternatively, you may choose to do a work placement or combined study/work placement in Africa or Latin America with a development organisation (usually a local or international NGO).

Doing a placement provides valuable work experience that improves your employability on graduation and also enhances your intercultural awareness, which is a quality increasingly appreciated by employers in a globalised economy.

Career paths

Whether it is working as a project manager in Latin America or with international refugee agencies in Africa, the International Development Studies and Languages programme will give you the transferable skills and subject knowledge to make you suitable for a wide range of jobs across the globe. Many development organisations and international NGOs now require high-level language skills in at least one foreign language, so if a career in overseas development interests you, this is the ideal course for you.

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 and Languages for the academic year 2013/14 (opens in new window).