Who is the Certificate in International Development for?
The Undergraduate Certificate in International Development aims to provide students with an understanding of the manifestations of poverty and inequality, the theoretical underpinnings of International Development, and the strategies and structures that exist to deal with underdevelopment. This is new course, offered for the first time in 2017-18.
This Certificate is open to everyone regardless of previous educational experience but it may be for you if you are, or planning to be,
- a professional or volunteer engaged with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that operates overseas
- a university student or staff member considering placements, careers in this field and/or further study
- someone who wants to enhance their general knowledge in international development.
Please note that this programme does not meet immigration requirements for entry to the UK as a short-term student or under Tier 4. Non-EEA nationals are unlikely to be able to undertake this programme unless they hold a visa in another category which permits study. Further information can be found on our Information for International Students webpage.
What will I be studying?
The Certificate is divided into three termly units taught via a regular monthly day school at the Institute of Continuing Education. Students are expected to attend all of the day schools throughout the year, the dates of which are given below.
Unit 1: The problems of “under” development
At the heart of International Development are the complexities of poverty and inequality, their occurrence, the diversity of its measurement and finally the approaches to reducing both. Students will learn about the geographical manifestations of deprivations and critically examine the different ways in which poverty is tackled by looking at a range of case studies. Extremes such as chronic poverty, famines and hunger as well as social and economic transitions are explored in both the rural and urban context of the global South.
Day schools are on Fridays at the Institute of Continuing Education on the following 3 dates: 6 October, 3 November and 1 December 2017.
Unit 2: Approaches to International Development
Students will gain the necessary background to understanding how International Development has arisen both as an idea and as an activity. Political and philosophical ideas underpinning the practice of International Development will be discussed before students will learn more about the evolution of its theoretical underpinnings. Through critical examination of historical and contemporary examples, students will learn about sustainable development and the need for more holistic solutions, which include environmental, social and economic realities. In this second term, lessons will draw on a critical examination of development practices, both historical and contemporary.
Day schools are on Fridays at the Institute of Continuing Education on the following 3 dates: 12 January, 9 February and 9 March 2018.
Unit 3: Governance and institutions
This unit provides an overview of the different players that are involved in international development. Students will learn about different ideological positions and power differentials of states, non-state actors, multi-lateral agencies, grassroots movements and individuals and how these factor in how International Development moves from a vision to an activity. Finally, the formal and informal institutions of International Development are critically examined, with particular focus on international aid infrastructures.
Day schools are on Fridays at the Institute of Continuing Education on the following 4 dates: 13 April, 11 May, 8 June and 6 July 2018.
Do I choose Certificate or Diploma level ?
The Certificate and Diploma courses have been designed to provide a progression path for your studies. The Certificate level course is ideal for those who are new to International Development and/or University level study.
If you are still unsure please refer to our International Development decision tree document at the bottom of the page for more information.
What can I go on to do?
The Institute offers two 60 credit Diploma courses in International Development which are taught and awarded at second year undergraduate level (FHEQ 5). These are currently taught in alternating years:
Diploma in International Development: Economy, Society and Welfare
This award is being offered for the academic year 2017-18 and will allow those with previous experience in International Development to develop further their understanding of some of the key topics in this dynamic field. The three units of this Diploma course are designed to account for both the diversity and evolution of both economic and human development and to provide students with real life examples illustrating the range of research, policy and practice in this field.
Diploma in International Development: Environment, Sustainability and Globalisation
This award which is planned to be offered for the academic year 2018-19 will allow those with some previous experience in International Development to study aspects of this subject in greater depth. The three units of this Diploma are designed to give students an enhanced understanding of the role of globalisation and sustainable development and the relationship of these processes to poverty reduction and reproduction.
Credit awarded by the Institute can also be transferred into the degree programmes of other higher education providers. However the amount of credit which can be transferred into degree programmes varies from institution to institution and is always at the discretion of the receiving institution
Additional information
Should you need to book accommodation in order to attend the day schools this may be possible at Madingley Hall depending on availability. Please visit the Madingley Hall website.
This course will require a minimum number of students in order to run. Applicants for this course will be notified by September 8th 2017 if the course is not going to be running at which point students will be offered a refund of the fees they have paid so far (please see our Cancellation policy).
