International Relations and Global Development Joint Honours

Why choose this course?

If you're interested in current affairs and the contemporary issues and problems associated with international relations and global development, then this course is for you.
You'll have the opportunity to visit the United Nations in Geneva or the European Parliament in Brussels where you can learn about their key functions.
Studying this course will give you the opportunity to work with some Governmental and non-Governmental organisations as well as international institutions and charities, where you'll promote good relations between people, communities and countries around the world.

International relations and global development

Show All

Fact file

UCAS code: Y002

Start date: September full time/September or January part time

Course length: Full time: three years Part time: up to six years

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

The world is increasingly becoming a more interconnected and complex place. During this course you'll explore the environmental, geographical, political, social, cultural and economic aspects of international relations and the challenges it faces. You'll also evaluate global development, looking at the complex and uneven patterns associated with the process of globalisation. Throughout the course you'll study key international relations and development themes, such as the relationship between the state and its citizens, the politics of development as reflected in the growing development gap between rich and poor countries, the idea of social justice, human rights, globalisation and democratisation.

In stage two you'll go on a field visit to a key organisation in the field of international relations, such as the United Nations in Geneva or the European Union Parliament in Brussels. During these visits you'll learn about key functions of international political institutions and their role in promoting democracy, world peace, political stability and development around the world.

You'll be taught by lecturers who are actively involved in research and consultancy covering a wide range of issues related to international relations and development, so you will be learning the very latest theory of international relations and be kept up to date with what is happening globally.

This subject can be combined with up to two others within our Joint Honours Scheme, so you can build up a degree to suit your interests and career needs. You can choose to study this as a major, joint or minor subject.

What can I combine this programme with?

What you will cover

Stage one

You'll study a selection of these modules:

Stage two

You'll study a selection of these modules:

Stage three

You'll study a selection of these modules:

Global Watch: International Events and the Media
Research Study in Geographical, Earth and Environment Sciences (PDP)
Vocational Module
Cultures of the War on Terror
International Human Rights Law
Sustainable Development and International Business Law
Global Food Security and Food Futures
Keeping the Peace: Conflict Power and Diplomacy since 1945
Globalisation and Social Change

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are usually 260-300 UCAS points from A levels, including Grade C in A level Geography, Geology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Sociology or Psychology, or equivalent qualifications such as a BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers etc. If you've completed an Access/Foundation course, we also accept these qualifications.

The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

How to apply

UK/EU students

Full time students should apply for this course through UCAS.

Part time students should apply directly to the University.

International students

If you want to start in September, you usually need to apply online through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

Information for international applicants

Applying for an undergraduate degree

Fees and finance

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

Full time:

If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £7,700 per year.
If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject it will cost £8,250 per year.

Part time:

If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £965 per module, (you'll usually take 18 of these in total).
If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject it will cost £1,030 per module, (you'll usually take 18 of these in total).

International students

Full time:

If you combine this subject with a classroom based subject it will cost £9,945 per year.
If you combine this subject with another resource intensive subject or a specialist subject it will cost £10,225 per year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

How you will learn

How you'll learn

You will be taught by lecturers who are actively involved in research and consultancy covering a wide range of international relations and developmental issues. You will be learning the very latest theory and be kept up to date with what is happening globally. You will go on a field visit to the key and most important international institution in global politics, the United Nations in Geneva. We are one of the few universities in the UK to run a study tour of the United Nations.

How you're assessed

The assessments for this course are stimulating, varied and challenging. Seventy per cent of the modules are assessed through
coursework. You will receive support and feedback throughout your assessment.

Careers and employability

You will develop specialist skills, such as negotiation, diplomacy, advocacy and conciliation, which will open up many career opportunities for you. You could work for international institutions, aid agencies, development organisations, transnational corporations or public and voluntary bodies. Previous graduates are now working for the Department for International Development, the United Nations Development Programme and the Voluntary Service Overseas project.

What our students say

Yessenia Aguilera, current student
"This course has been an excellent experience, and provided me with some really valuable knowledge and skills. The classes are exciting and engaging and the fieldtrip was an important part of my learning."

Rob Gardiner, current student
"This course enlightens and broadens the potential of students making you look beyond many horizons. As well as providing a foundation on which to build upon, the course entails belief and confidence to be used in the developing world and beyond. As an individual exploring many avenues in life, this course brought out the best in myself and others. Lectures and tutorials unleashed the potential of which was within and have continued to inspire me ever since."

‌Adam Pitt, recent graduate
"I am fortunate to not only be able to use the skills I gained during my degree, but am gaining new training in communications and partnership building in one of the world's most influential development organisations".