Undergraduate Diploma in International Development: Economy, Society and Welfare

Who is the Diploma for?

The Undergraduate Diploma in International Development: Economy, Society and Welfare provides a consolidation for those who want to continue their studies after the Certificate in International Development or the Diploma in International Development: Environment, Sustainability and Globalisation or who have already have considerable knowledge in this field. We require applicants to have some experience in International Development and/or higher education in (un)related fields. This is a new course, offered for the first time in 2017-18.  

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 Diploma 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: Economic growth and development

This unit builds on the basic understanding of the theories of International Development taught as part of the Certificate of International Development by drawing out the particular influence of a range of different economic theories. Taking our view from the individual to the global sphere, students are asked to examine the role of labour and (under)employment, trade and industrial policies.

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: Social change and protection

Underpinning much of the discussions of how to provide effective solutions to poverty is the degree to which people are exposed to risks and how they can protect themselves from their impacts. This unit will examine different social dynamics that shape people’s day to day lives and the diversity and effectiveness of various welfare models and human rights. Through case studies and group work, students will explore the lives of different groups such as migrants and minorities.

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: Human capital and development

In this unit, students will learn about the importance of what is known as “human capital” in accessing resources needed to reduce poverty. Poverty and inequality go hand in hand with ill-health, illiteracy and exclusion. Among other topics, this unit will examine both the evidence and proposed solutions of how to improve the levels of well-being, education and equality of those who live precarious lives.  

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 Diploma level course is suitable for those who have successfully completed the Certificate course or who have comparable knowledge and experience at FHEQ level 4 or equivalent.

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: 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).

The Diploma level course is designed for students who either have completed the Certificate in International Development satisfactorily or who have an equivalent qualification.

Applicants with the following will be considered:

• Satisfactory completion of the Institute’s Certificate in International Development
• Relevant academic study of International Development at FHEQ 4 or equivalent
• A relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualification i.e. Human Geography, Political science, Sociology, Environmental studies or similar cross disciplinary topics.

If you have none of the above, we would recommend your consider applying for our Certificate in International Development. However, if you feel strongly that the Diploma level is the right course for you, you may still apply and the Course Director will consider your application, however acceptance onto the course will be entirely at the discretion of the Institute.

Please be aware that the course is taught at university level (FHEQ 5) and you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

When you make your application for the Diploma in International Development you will be asked to supply some additional documents. Please see the information under the "How to apply" tab.

If English is not your first language, you will need to send us evidence of your competence in the English language when you apply for a place. 

ICE English language requirements

The fee for the course is £2,000 for the year and covers tuition, and tea, coffee and lunch at each of the day schools. You can pay in two ways:

• in full on enrolment (by cheque payable to the University of Cambridge or by credit or debit card)
• in four equal instalments (credit/debit card only): the first on enrolment, the second by 1 November 2017,  the third by 1 February 2018 and the fourth by 1 April 2018.

ICE fees and refund policy

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).

Online application is recommended and you will find a link to the online application form at the top of this page.

On your application form you will be asked to give additional information about why you wish to apply for the Diploma in International Development: Economy, Society and Welfare as detailed below:

• in the “Education” box please list your qualifications and education background starting with the highest level qualification gained, plus any courses or practical work recently completed (title/level/date);
• in the “Personal Statement” box please include in here a statement of around 500 words in length explaining why you wish to enrol on the course and how it fits into your long term career plans. If applicable, please also include details of any previous work experience that may be related to International Development. 

After your initial application has been received you will be contacted and asked to supply both a current C.V. and a sample of academic writing such as an essay or presentation submitted previously for formal assessment.

You may also be asked for a personal interview (usually remotely rather than in person) so the Course Director can discuss your application with you.

Acceptance onto the course will be entirely at the discretion of the Institute.

The course specification, giving full course details, will be available later this year.

Applications for this course can be received until midday (12 noon) on the 4 September 2017. If you are offered a place on the course, we will ask you to complete your booking within a limited time and to pay the fees (£2,000) or if paying fees by instalments, the first instalment of fees to secure your place.

If you are not a UK resident please visit our international students' page to read about visas for part-time students. Please make sure you have investigated your visa requirements in advance of booking as we cannot offer a refund if you find you are unable to take up the place due to visa constraints after you have booked your place on the course.

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.

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before making your application, please contact the Course Director, Dr Alexandra Winkels: Alexandra.Winkels@ice.cam.ac.uk