Who is this course 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 improve people’s lives.
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)
• 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
What will I be studying?
The Certificate is divided into three 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:
20 September 2019
11 October 2019
8 November 2019
6 December 2019
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 4 dates:
17 January 2020
14 February 2020
13 March 2020
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 3 dates:
24 April 2020
15 May 2020
5 June 2020
Dates of study
As above, the day schools are held on the following Fridays:
20 September 2019
11 October 2019
8 November 2019
6 December 2019
17 January 2020
14 February 2020
13 March 2020
24 April 2020
15 May 2020
5 June 2020
What can I go on to do?
The Institute offers two complementary one year Diploma courses in International Development which are taught and awarded at second year undergraduate level (FHEQ 5). These courses will allow those with some previous experience in International Development to study aspects of this subject in greater depth. Each Diploma is offered biannually and can be studied in any order.
Diploma in International Development: Environment, Sustainability and Globalisation
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. This Diploma will commence in October 2018.
Diploma in International Development: Economy, Society and Welfare
This Diploma course is 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. This Diploma is planned to commence in October 2019.
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
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
Accommodation
Applications are welcomed both from those living within travelling distance of Cambridge and those from further afield.
Although this is a non-residential course, students requiring residential accommodation may be able to book Bed & Breakfast at Madingley Hall, as availability permits, at a discounted student rate. Once you have completed booking your place on the course you will be sent further information about how to book pre-allocated accommodation. Please do not book accommodation directly via the Madingley Hall website as there might not be room availability via this route.