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Global Development

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

The Global Development Institute is where critical thinking meets social justice. In a time of unprecedented global change, we tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental, political and economic challenges.

BSc Global Development focuses on the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the Global South across Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America. Many of these challenges, however, cannot be understood without exploring their connections with the Global North.

Global issues such as climate change, inequality and social justice cut across national boundaries and require a genuinely global perspective. Throughout the course, you will learn how to analyse these issues using insights from a range of interconnected disciplines, particularly geography, politics and economics.

Alongside theoretical understanding, you will develop practical skills relevant to careers in NGOs, governments, international organisations and companies working in development and related fields.

Based at one of the largest and most diverse centres of development studies in Europe, you will study in an intellectually vibrant environment alongside students and academics from across the world, benefiting from research‑informed teaching and global perspectives.

Modules

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/20251/bsc-global-development/

Assessment method

You will be assessed through methods including:

  • essays;

  • team projects;

  • coursework;

  • presentations;

  • dissertation.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L905
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L905
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level AAB

AAB

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you’re taking more than three A-levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A-levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: BBB

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you’re taking more than three A-levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A-levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

T Level Not accepted

UCAS Tariff Not accepted

Scottish Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers ABB

or

Two Advanced Highers AB , plus additional Highers BB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction level, with all others at Merit grade. You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers ABB

or

Two Advanced Highers AB , plus additional Highers BB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD, plus an A-level at grade B.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefit of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. We strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. For this programme, as well as the regular conditions of offer, we may make students who are currently taking or completed the EPQ an alternative offer. For this course it would be ABB at A-level plus the Extended Project at Grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma DD

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 35

35 points overall. 6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDD

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DDD

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) D

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades AB.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma DD

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DD, plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A-level at grade AB.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate D

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A-levels at grades AB.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB and an EAP score of B with B in writing and speaking and C in reading and listening.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

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

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

Related courses

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