UCAS code
L902Mode of Study
Full-time, Full-time sandwich with work placementDuration
3 years full-time, 4 years sandwich with work placementStart date
September 2023, September 2024Overview
Do you want to understand society on a global scale? On this International Development with Sociology degree, you'll analyse contemporary social issues and inequalities as you explore the major global challenges of our time.
You'll look at issues like poverty, hunger, education and health, from national and international perspectives. You'll gain multi-disciplinary skills as you work with lecturers from both the sociology and international development teams.
When you complete the course successfully, you'll have the communication and analysis skills to enter contemporary graduate careers. You'll also be well placed for further study.
Read more about our excellent research in Area StudiesThe University of Portsmouth is ranked the number 1 modern university for research quality in Area Studies.
Course highlights
- Study a range of development approaches, including economics, human geography, politics and international relations, to engage in processes of policy change at international and local levels, campaign on issues of social justice and inequality, and contribute toward the achievement of sustainable development
- Learn ways to apply classical sociological theories, such as developing policies and actions to produce social change and solutions to the pressing issues affecting the world right now
- Gain on-the-ground experience of community development and protected area management on an optional field trip to Uganda
- Be taught by staff who are committed to their research in the field, such as Professor Tamsin Bradley whose research is informing schemes to help support women across South Asia in their search for equality
- Learn from leading sociologists whose research is addressing social issues around the world
- Get experience during your studies or as part of an optional work placement year with an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), such as the British Council
- Be a diplomat for a day at our Model United Nations event, in collaboration with fellow students from International Development and International Relations
- Have the chance to learn a new language, enhancing your employability in an international workplace
Entry requirements
To do this degree, you need to apply for the BA (Hons) International Development course. This is because it's a 'pathway' degree.
You’ll study International Development in depth and add Sociology as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll graduate with a BA (Hons) International Development with Sociology degree when you finish the course.
These are the entry requirements for the BA (Hons) International Development course.
BA (Hons) International Development degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25
You may need to have studied specific subjects – See full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels – ABB–BBC
- UCAS points – 112-128 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels – Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) – DDM–DMM
- International Baccalaureate – 25–26
You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept at UCAS.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Careers and opportunities
This International Development with Sociology degree will give you an extensive range of skills, from analysis, criticism and argument, to communication, research and critical thinking - all of which you'll need in your future career.
You'll be ready to take on roles in local, national or international organisations that put people at the heart of their strategies, in areas such as research, shaping social policy or bringing about social change.
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level with a Master’s in International Development or Sociology, or take the next step into research that could inform policy with a PhD.
What can you do with an international development with sociology degree?
This course gives you the skills for careers in areas such as:
- international community development
- civil service
- fundraising, campaigning and advocacy
- policy development
- social enterprise
- corporate social responsibility
- public affairs
- teaching and lecturing (with additional training or further study)
- research
- advertising, marketing and media
- local government
- charity work and community development
What jobs can you do with an international development with sociology degree?
Our BA (Hons) International Development graduates have gone on to roles such as:
- programme management, support and evaluation roles for international agencies and non-governmental organisations
- fundraising development coordinator
- human rights advocacy
- media and digital content lead
- social researcher
- community development practitioner
- sustainable sourcing specialist for multinational corporations
- teacher
Graduate destinations
Our BA (Hons) International Development and BA (Hons) Sociology graduates have worked for non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government departments and companies such as:
- Save the Children
- Street Doctors
- the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- the Department of International Development
- Shelterbox
- British Chamber of Commerce
- Kantar (data analytics and brand consulting)
- Enham Trust (disability charity)
- The Prince's Trust
- Youth Futures Foundation
- YouGov
- Bank of England
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Placement year opportunities
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in international development, giving you the chance to grow your professional network and enhance your CV.
We'll give you all the support you need to find a placement that prepares you for your career, and we'll continue to mentor you throughout your placement.
BA (Hons) International Development and BA (Hons) Sociology students have completed work placements at organisations such as:
- British Council
- GlobalGiving
- Freedom from Torture
- SEK International Schools
- Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (PARCS)
- Why Me? Restorative Justice
- Volkswagen
- SEK International School, Spain
What you'll study
Modules currently being studied
Core modules in this year include:
- Global Development – 20 credits
- Introduction to Development Studies: Policy and Practice – 20 credits
- Key Themes in International Relations – 20 credits
- Professional Practice: Skills for Academic and Professional Success – 40 credits
- The Making of the Global South – 20 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Economics and Politics of Development – 20 credits
- Global Environmental Issues and Concerns – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Analysing Foreign Policy – 20 credits
- Development and Democracy in Latin America – 20 credits
- Development Economics – 20 credits
- East Asian States and Societies – 20 credits
- Empire and its Afterlives in Britain, Europe and Africa – 20 credits
- Gender and Sexuality – 20 credits
- Gender and Social Justice - 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Managing Across Cultures – 20 credits
- Modern Foreign Language (Institution-wide Language Programme) – 20 credits
- Professional Experience L5 - 20 credits
- Race and Racism - 20 credits
- Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship - 20 credits
- Social Power, Elites and Dissent - 20 credits
- The Sociology of Education - 20 credits
- Transitional Justice and Human Rights - 20 credits
On this course, you can do an optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years to get valuable experience working in industry.
We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
Core modules in this year include:
- Dissertation / Major Project – 40 credits
- Rethinking Aid and Development – 20 credits
Optional modules in this year include:
- Equality or Liberation? Theorising Social Justice - 20 credits
- Global Capitalism: Past, Present and Future – 20 credits
- Global Health – 20 credits
- Health, Wellbeing and Happiness - 20 credits
- Independent Project – 20 credits
- Nationalism and Migration: Chaos, Crisis and the Everyday - 20 credits
- NGOs and Social Movements – 20 credits
- Professional Development L6 - 20 credits
- Professional Development: Recruiters and Candidates – 20 credits
- Religion and Politics in Global Perspective - 20 credits
- Sociology of Culture: Taste, Value and Celebrity - 20 credits
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
Optional pathways
Not quite sure this course is right for you? Take a look at our other international development courses to compare your options.
- BA (Hons) International Development – address some of the major global challenges of our time, studying in-depth the role and purpose of inter-organisational cooperation in improving peoples lives.
- BA (Hons) International Development and Languages – master French, Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) to degree level, and choose a second language, while studying International Development.
- BA (Hons) International Relations with International Development – study International Relations in depth and add International Development as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
- examinations
- case studies
- projects
- presentations
- book reviews
- assignments
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- workshops
- seminars
- one-on-one tutorials
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your BA Hons International Development with Sociology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, seminars and workshops for about 12 hours a week.
The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting your learning
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University's Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (2023 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (2024 start)
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,250 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £18,100 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
You'll need to pay additional costs anywhere between £50–£1,000 to cover travel, accommodation or subsistence if you take a placement abroad.
The amount you'll pay will vary, depending on the location and length of your stay. It will also depend on additional funding the UK Government makes available after Brexit and if the UK remains part of the Erasmus+ student mobility programme or not.
During your placement year or study abroad year, you’ll be eligible for a discounted rate on your tuition fees. Currently, this discount amounts to 90% of the year’s fees.
Tuition fees for that year are:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £925 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £925 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £1,800 a year (subject to annual increase)
The costs associated with your specific destination will be discussed during your second year, as well as possible sources of additional funding.
Apply
You need to choose BA (Hons) International Development when you apply for this course, because this is a ‘pathway’ course. This is where you study International Development in depth and add Sociology as a complementary subject in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) International Development with Sociology degree when you complete the course.
If you change your mind after you apply, you can choose not to study Sociology in years 2 and 3. You’ll then graduate with a BA (Hons) International Development degree when you complete the course.
How to apply
To start this course in 2023, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L902
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
To start this course in 2024, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – L902
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
How to apply from outside the UK
See the 'How to apply' section above for details of how to apply. You can also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.