- 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)
The world is shaped by global challenges such as climate change, new conflicts, changing migration patterns and deepening inequalities.
At Sussex, you’ll explore these issues. You’ll look at the institutional legacies and structures of power that shape them, and you’ll examine what’s being done to address them. You’ll learn from specialists in areas such as climate justice, markets and finance, gender and sexuality, social justice and rights, health and new technologies. Building on our expertise, you’ll develop the critical knowledge and practical tools to be part of the change you want to see in the world.
On your course, you’ll take an interdisciplinary view. You’ll learn about global challenges from different perspectives including Anthropology, Geography, International Relations, Education and Economics. Throughout your studies, you’ll:
- learn about the root causes of poverty and inequality from a global perspective of social justice
- challenge simplistic understandings of what development is, who it is for and who it is done by
- understand how development practitioners, policy-makers, social movements and affected communities around the world are responding to new challenges
- collaborate with fellow students to design creative and innovative responses to work towards alternative futures
- take electives from other subjects – from philosophy to law and modern languages – to open your mind to other disciplines and tailor your degree to your interests.
You’ll become a part of a vibrant and welcoming community of staff and students passionate about achieving greater social and environmental justice.
When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and critical hope you need to participate in creating just and equitable change. You’ll have the skills and confidence to start a rewarding global career in areas such as development policy, practice or advocacy.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Everybody on my course knows they are lucky to be here since Sussex is the best place in the world to be doing Development Studies.”Rebecca Melody Lin
International Development BA
Read Rebecca’s story
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Meet us on campus or online
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | AAB-ABB |
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Contextual offer | BBC-BCC Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Extended Project Qualification | We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us |
Other UK qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer | Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 27-24 credits at Distinction |
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Subjects | Humanities or social sciences. |
Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | M1, M1 and M2 in the Pre-U If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would expect you to have a grade B in the A-level and M1 and M1 in the two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and Cambridge Pre-U Principle Subjects, we would normally expect you to have grades AB in the two A-levels and M1 in the Pre-U. |
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International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
Typical offer | Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
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Contextual offer | Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma. Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
Typical offer | Grades AB in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
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Contextual offer | Grades BC in A-levels plus Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Typical offer | DDD-DDM |
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Contextual offer | DDM-DMM Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Scottish Highers
Typical offer | AAABB |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Typical offer | AAB-ABB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
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GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 32-34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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European Baccalaureate
Typical offer | Overall result of at least 77% - 80% |
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Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 92% to 88% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 or better. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 1.8 to 2.0 or better for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Belgium
Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects). |
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Canada
Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB from 5 grade 12 courses We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4.2 and 4.5 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average 18.5/20 and above. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between EEMM - EMMM |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result between 13/20 - 14/20. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 to 2.0 or better. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18.5 and 19 will be considered for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 to 5, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Hungary
Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Typical offer | Standard XII results 80% from ISC Indian School certificate of Education (CISCE) |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3 to H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Israel
Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
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Italy
Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 81/100 and 85/100. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
Typical offer | Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
Typical offer | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 46-48 points overall. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Typical offer | Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of ABB- AAB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.5 or UEC with an overall average grade A2,A2,B3,B3,B3,B3 ( or average 77%). |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average between 7-8. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Nigeria
Typical offer | You are expected to have one of the following:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of between 4 to 4.5 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.
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Portugal
Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 17/20 and 18/20. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.5 and 8.7 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Typical offer | Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Typical offer | A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
Typical offer | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average above 1.8 from 4 subjects.
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Additional requirements | Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovenia
Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 24 points overall. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Typical offer | Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sweden
Typical offer | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects.
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Typical offer | We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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USA
Typical offer | We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications. Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26 AP and SAT Subject tests Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:
We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject. College level credits We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests Associate degrees An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1. Foundation Year entry Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Pearson (PTE Academic)
59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
TOEFL (iBT)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A – C in English
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
Admissions information for applicants
Transfers into Year 2 | Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year. |
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If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
If you don't meet our entry requirements, we recommend our in-house Foundation Year course to prepare you for Year 1 of your chosen degree:
If you don't have the required language skills for this course you could consider the International Study Centre. The ISC offers a range of foundation courses in combination with English language teaching.
Modules
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Colonialism and After
- Global Development Paradigms, Policy and Politics
- Sussex Perspectives on International Development
Spring teaching
Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2024 for the modules running in the academic year 2024/25.
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Economic Perspectives on Development
- Research Skills for Development
- Social Change, Culture and Development
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
- Development and the State
- Environmental Perspectives on Development
- Gender and Development: Theory, Concepts and Issues
- Health, Poverty and Inequality
- International Education and Development
- Practitioner and Activist Skills for Global Justice
- Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism
Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives and pathways that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2024 for the modules running in the academic year 2024/25.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
I’m really glad I did the placement. I met great people and I got the chance to see my work published.”Hannah Clifton
Computing for International Development BA
Sightsavers
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Options
You choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn teaching
- Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice
- Class, community, nation
- Cultures of Colonialism
- Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Disasters, Environment and Development
- East Asia Rising: Beyond the American Century?
- Geographies of Money, Finance, and Debt
- Geographies of Violence and Conflict
- Global Work Experience
- Human Rights
- Mobilities and Global Inequalities
- Refugees, Migrants and Religion
- Religions in Global Politics
- The Arms Trade and Global (In)securities
Autumn and spring teaching
Spring teaching
- Anthropology in the World: Theory, Knowledge, Action (and back again)
- Anthropology of the Body
- Critical Perspectives on Conflict and Violence
- Decolonial Movements
- Development Tools and Skills
- Environmental Anthropology
- Environmental Protest: Past and Present
- Global Food Security
- Horizontal Development(s)
- Humanitarianism in Theory and Practice
- Political Ecology and Environmental Justice
- Race, Ethnicity and Identity
- The Politics of Armed Groups: Rebels, State and Society
- Understanding Contemporary India
- Urban Development: Historical Legacies, Contemporary Challenges and Alternative Futures
- Whose Histories Matter? Doing Decolonial Heritage and National Identities
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2023/24. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2024 for the modules running in the academic year 2024/25.
Practical skills and applied learning
In addition to your lectures and seminars, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in:
- practice-based modules that foster learning by doing
- creative workshops to apply your learning to re-imagining development
- guest talks by development practitioners and activists, as well as visits from alumni to learn from their work.
Studying Development at Sussex exceeded my expectations. I left with new knowledge, skills, connections, experiences and opportunities. Alongside the course material, I loved the freedom and encouragement to explore my own interests. I’d recommend this University to anyone!”Montana Walcott
International Development BA graduate
What is International Development?
- Video transcript
When I came to the Open Day with my dad, he turned to me at the end and said, “Gosh, If I could go to university again, I’d really want to do this course!”
I think I first heard the term ‘Development Studies’ when I was doing my A-levels. I found it quite difficult being able to find a mix of everything that I was interested in because I think I was quite broad in what I wanted to do. I would describe Development Studies as kind of a mix between looking at politics, sociology, anthropology. It is very diverse, and it’s all kind of how those interlink and how they affect each other and the ways in which we can create positive global change.
First year was very much an introduction to everything that you needed to carry on studying International Development. When you then move into second year, it gets more specific. You get to choose a couple of the modules that you want to do. As soon as you get into third year, it’s what you want the course to be, it’s what you want International Development to be. You’ve got so much room to explore, so much room to be creative with what you look at.
I chose modules to do with conflict, gender, development, and that’s the way that I drove my dissertation as well. My friends who have done the course have gone exactly the same route as me, but looked at something completely different. I’ve specifically been looking at the Democratic Republic of Congo. I’ve been looking at how men as victims of sexual and gender-based violence have been excluded from policy, and what that means for both men and women and how the gender dynamics really affect that, and how that policy is inadequate. I'm going to fast now! I think I’m getting too into it!
[On screen text – 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023)]
Yes, it obviously looks very good on the website!
And I think you can definitely see it in the work that comes out from the lecturers. And I think you can also see it reflected in the students because they see how passionate people are about what they're teaching. [laughs] Well... I cut all my hair off, that's quite a big difference! I think that came from confidence that I got from being at Sussex. I don't think I would have done it if I went to another uni. More seriously, I think that I am able now to really look at a topic and really understand every single aspect and facet of it, look at all of the arguments and critically evaluate it, and come to my own conclusions and not just take something for face value or what I've been told.
![TEF 2023 silver](png/tef-2023-silver.png)
Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
I am working on a project with the University of Bergen, Norway, investigating issues of corporate social responsibility in the global oil industry.”Dr Dinah Rajak
Reader in Anthropology and International Development
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Dr Lyndsay McLean
Reader in Anthropology and International Development
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Prof Anke Schwittay
Professor in Anthropology & Internationaational Development
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Prof Benjamin Selwyn
Professor of International Relations and International Development
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Fees
- Home students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £21,500 per year
- Study abroad:
- Find out about grants and funding, tuition fees and insurance costs for studying abroad
- Placement:
- Find out about tuition fees for placements
Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis. Find details on our tuition fees page.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.
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Chancellor's International Scholarships
£5,000 per year of full time study
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Climate Leaders Scholarship
£3,000 cash per year of full time study.
Scholarships recipients will be supported to develop a high level project plan and provided with mentoring support.
Careers
You gain transferable skills such as being intellectually flexible and an independent learner. You also develop organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
You can use your International Development degree for careers in:
- environment and international development
- the charity, voluntary, social and welfare sectors
- the Civil Service, politics and social research.
We support and stay in touch with our graduates – you can attend specialist careers events and receive careers advice from Sussex, even after when you have completed your studies.
Graduate destinations
Recent International Development graduates have started jobs as or in:
- global change and deployment specialist, Save the Children International
- consultant, UN Industrial Development Organisation
- communications and administration officer, Bhopal Medical Appeal.
(International Development careers database)
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Sussex has given me the skills and expertise to get involved in field work and research in my home country of Palestine.”Bushra Khalidi
International Development BA