BA (Hons) Sustainable Development and Social Change
Program start date | Application deadline |
2023-05-24 | - |
2023-09-14 | - |
2024-01-18 | - |
Program Overview
Are you interested in finding out how social development is affecting the people who live in the world's poorest countries? Do you want to learn about globalization and consider its impact on the people of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Europe? Do you worry about the value of their work?
This course will give you the answers you seek - and much more. There has never been a more pressing time to study Sustainable Development and Social Change. Globalisation continues to impact the world's poorest countries in the global South, and the reaction to globalisation continues to manifest itself in the global North through Brexit and the election of populist leaders. Conflict, climate change, COVID-19 and humanitarian crises all demand a response from the world.
Our course equips you to find your place in this response. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to research and analyse complex problems, to develop your own ideas and plans for a development project and how to fundraise for it, and ultimately to find a career that will give you job satisfaction - being part of changing the world for the better.
We use textbooks and real-world experience, encouraging you to step outside the classroom and study beyond the headlines. We offer you the chance to gain valuable work experience in an NGO, such as Save the Children UK or Otra Cosa (Peru), as a core part of your course.
The extended course is perfect if you want a degree in Sustainable Development and Social Change, but you don’t have the standard entry requirements.
Program Outline
By studying international development, you'll be asking vitally important questions. What is poverty? What is the connection between a country's economy and the wellbeing of its people? How do issues such as inequality, conflict and faith relate to development? What is globalisation and how does it impact on all of our lives?
Our course gives special emphasis to the lived experience of people in the developing world. In doing so, it challenges the assumption that development is a purely economic phenomenon.
Your third-year work placement in an NGO, which we'll help you to arrange, will provide you with invaluable experience in the field, whether it's at the Vitality project in Bangladesh or working for the St Francis Hospice in the UK. You'll develop the skills that NGOs look for in people they employ.
In addition to studying theory, you'll learn about real-world issues in modules such as Human Mobility, Forced Migration and Social Change as well as The Politics of Global Powers and Imperialism Now: Economy, State and War.
The course is assessed entirely by coursework such as essays, video presentations and a research dissertation. You'll learn beyond the classroom by getting involved in the work of organisations such as British Overseas NGO for Development (BOND). Four of our students recently attended their annual conference as volunteers and social media coordinators.
The approximate percentages for this course are:
Our students have also undertaken placements relating to money mentoring and finance in Africa, the education of street children in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the health needs of Syrian refugees in Greece.
You'll be taught by staff with relevant experience and practice to ensure you learn from real life experience and research, including renowned experts in their field such as Dr Meera Tiwari, who helped 2005 graduate Firoz Patel found the charity Global Development Links while he was still an undergraduate on the course. Firoz Patel received an
Honorary Doctorate for his work in the not for profit sector in 2016.
We encourage an educational experience that is active, social, collaborative, engaging and student-owned. You will have access to a variety of resources ensuring your learning experience goes beyond the classroom.
When not attending timetabled lectures you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, Microsoft Teams and Moodle. We are investing in key areas beyond your studies including our career services, library and well-being, to be available both face-to-face on campus and online with many of these available 24/7.
Students are supported with any academic or subject related queries by an Academic Advisor, module leaders, former and current UEL students. If you need a bit of extra help with certain skills such as academic writing, English, maths or statistics, our Academic Tutors offer workshops, drop-in sessions and one-to-one appointments to help our students achieve their potential.
You can receive advice and guidance on all aspects of the IT systems provided by the university from our IT Service Desks located on all three campuses. Our Student Support hubs in Docklands and Stratford feature centralised helpdesks to cater for your every need.
We have new, modern library facilities on both campuses offering inspirational environments for study and research. Libraries contain resources in print and digital formats, a range of study spaces and dedicated librarian who can assist with your learning.
UEL provides also support and advice for disabled students and those with specific learning difficulties (SPDs).Your overall workload consists of class and online tutor led sessions, individual learning, practical activities.
Assessment tasks are mainly spread across the year to make theworkload manageable. Assessment methods include group works and individual work including essays, presentations, case studies, professional development and practical activities depending on the nature of the course. All grades count towards your module mark. More details will be included in the student handbook and module guides.
Feedback is provided within 15 working days in line with UEL's assessment and feedback policy.
University of East London
Overview:
University of East London (UEL) is a public university located in London, United Kingdom. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. UEL is known for its commitment to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment, with a focus on practical skills and real-world experience.
Services Offered:
Study:
UEL offers a comprehensive range of courses, including undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeships, and clearing options. They also provide advice for mature learners and offer a variety of subjects and schools.Visit UEL:
The university hosts undergraduate open days and provides information about its location.Student Information:
UEL offers resources for current and new students, including information on student life, accommodation, term dates, fees and funding, and scholarships.International:
UEL provides support for international students, including advice for their region, pre-degree courses, visa and immigration advice, and pre-sessional English programs.Your Career:
UEL offers career services, including career coaching and mentoring, opportunities to meet employers, and resources for volunteering and work while studying.Partners:
UEL collaborates with various partners, including businesses and organizations, to provide opportunities for students and staff.Our Research:
UEL conducts research across various disciplines and offers postgraduate research programs.About:
UEL provides information about its schools and subjects, governance, professional services, vision, alumni, and sustainability initiatives.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The context provides information about student life at UEL, highlighting the vibrant campus environment and the support available to students. It mentions the university's commitment to providing a positive and inclusive learning experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong focus on practical skills and real-world experience:
UEL emphasizes practical learning and provides opportunities for students to gain valuable experience through internships, placements, and other initiatives.Supportive and inclusive learning environment:
UEL is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students, regardless of their background or circumstances.Vibrant campus life:
UEL offers a range of student activities, clubs, and societies, providing opportunities for students to connect with others and develop their interests.Excellent career support:
UEL provides comprehensive career services to help students prepare for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The context mentions that UEL offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. It also highlights the university's commitment to research and its involvement in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Other:
The context mentions that UEL is celebrating a Year of Science in 2024. It also highlights the university's strong performance in the National Student Survey (NSS), ranking 3rd nationally for overall student positivity and top 10 in Teaching, Learning Opportunities, Assessments and Feedback.
We accept a number of International qualifications equivalent to the standard UK undergraduate requirements. For most countries this is equivalent to 12 / 13 years of education at a High School / Secondary School. Some courses require you to have subject specific subjects or submit a portfolio / attend an interview / test .
Applicants must have a qualification from a recognised institution or awarding body.
English Language Requirements
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To study at UEL you must demonstrate that your English level is at the standard for university study. We accept a number of different English language qualifications / tests for entry onto our courses, with IELTS being the most common. English language requirements vary slightly from course to course. All students are required to meet our standard English language requirements.
We now offer
Pre-sessional English
in collaboration with Malvern House London.Whether you are looking to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, if you don't meet the IELTS requirements for your choice of degree here at the University of East London, you might be able to study a pre-sessional English course over a duration 5 to 11 weeks, depending on your level of English.
You don't need to apply to study pre-sessional English with us, you just need to apply for the course of your choice and we will decide whether or not you need the pre-sessional. And don't forget that whatever happens, you will have access to all the University's facilities and services, including the benefit of on campus accommodation from day one!
Accepted English Language qualifications:
We do not accept:
Refer to the region pages for further information
Regions
Our region pages provide tailored advice on popular courses, entry requirements, fees and funding.
See all of our International RegionsIELTS
IELTS is the most commonly taken English Language qualification and most entry requirements are expressed in the IELTS score required. IELTS certificates are only valid for 2 years
Undergraduate standard requirements
The English language requirements for undergraduate (Bachelor) courses is a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or 6, or equivalent, depending on the course and year or level of entry. The specific requirements for your chosen course, including individual component scores, will be outlined on the course page.
Postgraduate standard requirements
The English language entry requirements for the majority of postgraduate (Masters) programmes is a minimum IELTS 6.0 or 6.5, or equivalent, depending on your chosen course of study. Specific requirements for your chosen course, including individual component scores, will be outlined on the course page.
Home office approved Majority English speaking countries
The confirmed list of Home office approved Majority English speaking countries can be found below. If your country is not listed you will be required to fulfil the standard English language requirements.