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Global Development (K37) (Taught)

Course details
  • PgCert
  • 1 Years
  • Distance learning
  • October 2026
  • Postgraduate
Course location
Distance Learning
Awarded by:
The Open University

Course summary

This postgraduate certificate explores historical and contemporary theories about global development and critically examines their role in shaping development policy and practice, the opportunities and challenges humanity faces in tackling global challenges and bringing about positive change. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of key development issues, such as migration, environmental sustainability, and the global politics of development. You’ll be introduced to a conceptual framework to help analyse and understand global development in various contexts, drawing on case study material. In the process, you’ll enhance your skills in critical thinking, working with evidence, and presenting arguments using different media.

Key features of the course

  • Provides knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts to make sense of global development issues.

  • Critically engages with the global development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Encourages you to reflect on your standpoint, and that of others, with respect to global development debates.

  • Builds essential skills for a career in development and related areas.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

You'll study the following:

  • Understanding global development
    This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.

Open days

Entry requirements

We recommend that you hold a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working in a development-related agency (international or local), in either a paid or voluntary capacity, prior to starting this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory, and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence.

Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.

If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

As fees for individual modules can vary, the total cost you pay for your qualification depends on the modules you choose to study. For further information about fees, please refer to the course description on The Open University website.

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