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.
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.
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.
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.