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Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
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Find your place in Clearing
BA (Hons) Geography with Global Development with a Foundation Year
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- 8FLL
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Clearing entry requirements are subject to change, if you have your results confirmed, please contact us on 01603 294933 to secure your place. Visit Clearing to find out more.
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Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 202195%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 20201st
in the UK for research quality in Geography and Environmental Science.
The Complete University Guide 2026Course Overview
Now, more than ever, there’s a need for geographers with a truly global perspective. Global geography is essential for understanding major challenges such as social injustice, climate change, food security, and wellbeing. Our BA in Geography and Global Development with a Foundation Year equips you with the skills to think globally and work towards a just and sustainable future.
You’ll begin with a foundation year designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed for success. You’ll have the opportunity to explore new areas of study in a supportive learning environment, with higher levels of individual support. Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll be ideally placed to progress to year one of the full degree programme.
During your foundation year, we’ll work with you to help you make the best decisions for your developing interests and career goals. At the end of the foundation year, you’ll continue with the BA Geography with Global Development degree or choose another degree pathway within the School of Global Development. You’ll also have the option to transfer to the BA Geography in the School of Environmental Sciences.
By studying with us, you’ll join our close-knit academic community of experts from across multiple disciplines within the School of Global Development. As such, you’ll benefit from a truly vibrant academic environment, learning from researchers who are making a real difference in the world.
Our research in Global Development and Economics is ranked 1st in the UK (THE REF 2021), and you’ll benefit from our connections and expertise in countries as diverse as Uganda, India, and Chile. With the knowledge and experience you’ll gain on your degree, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue a variety of rewarding careers in development and beyond.
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Fieldtrips
UK and overseas fieldtrips are a key feature of this course
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Development Work Placements
Gain hand-on experience through our various Development Work Placement options in the UK or oversees.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll explore contemporary global challenges facing the developing world (such as migration, food security, gender equality, and population growth), and be introduced to the interdisciplinary subject of development studies. You’ll also develop the study skills you’ll need for success at university, developing as an independent learner and gaining valuable experience of university-level study. Optional modules can be taken from the Schools of Politics, History, and Environmental Sciences, as well as Languages.
For information on subsequent years of this course, please see the BA Geography with Global Development course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your foundation year, your learning will predominantly take place through interactive seminars and workshops, taught by dedicated foundation year lecturers and guest lecturers. You’ll be supported individually throughout your foundation year through regular advisor meetings and constructive written feedback on your coursework.
For information on subsequent years of this course, please see the BA Geography with Global Development course.
Assessment
In your foundation year, you’ll be assessed through varied forms of coursework, including essays, presentations, posters and exams. You’ll be supported and guided to understand the expectations of university-level assessment and develop the skills needed to successfully complete your assignments. Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable feedback on your assignments. This will help you identify areas for improvement, ensuring you’re getting the most from your work.
For information on subsequent years of this course, please see the BA Geography with Global Development course.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with knowledge and skills valued by a vast range of organisations related to geography and global development and many of our graduates go on to work in related roles in policy and advocacy. These include government agencies the United Nations, private sector companies, consultancy firms, and the many hundreds of large and small non-government organisations that focus on social and environmental issues and humanitarian work. Furthermore, geographers are renowned for being ‘systems-thinkers’, focusing on people and our relationship with the environment. Trained geographers contribute to advocating for livable climates, influencing social policy, and managing resources.
Alternatively, you could use the academic and transferable skills gained from our degrees for careers in business, the voluntary and public sector, education, and academia. Geography provides an ideal set of skills and understandings for approaching a myriad of career choices.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- United Nations
- International NGOs
- Government (both UK and foreign)
- British Red Cross
- Oxfam
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Contextual offer: MMP
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: MMM
Contextual: MMP
Diploma: MM plus C at A level.
Contextual: MM plus D at A level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level.
Contextual: M plus CD at A level.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. Any subject is acceptable.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4
Scottish Highers
BBCCC
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
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- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: