Global Development at UEA
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreThis is just the beginning
Find your place in ClearingCourse
options
Key Details
Visiting UEA is the best way to find out if you could imagine yourself studying and living on our beautiful campus. Explore our virtual and in person events now.
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 2020in the UK for research quality in Geography and Environmental Science.
The Complete University Guide 2026Now, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
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.
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.
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.
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Contextual offer: MMP
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.
Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3
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.
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.
28 points overall
6 subjects at H4
BBCCC
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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.
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.
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
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.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
Find out more about studying Global Development at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreUCAS 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:
Geography with Global Development with a Foundation Year starting September 2025 for 4 years