Postgraduate Diploma in Global Development

This postgraduate diploma provides an advanced grounding in the key theories, approaches and issues that are shaping contemporary global development. Drawing on important social science ideas, it introduces a conceptual framework for making sense of development and employs this in examining six major issues: migration, socio-economic security, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, the global politics of development, and the politics of doing development. You’ll also have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and understanding of the issue or issues of most interest to you by exploring them through four cross-cutting challenges: conflict, governance, justice, and transformation. The diploma, therefore, enables you to identify and pursue your own interests in development while also enhancing your skills of critical thinking and independent learning and investigation.

Key features of the course

• Explore the global context and nature of contemporary development issues.
• Gain an understanding of key concepts for critically examining development theories, approaches and issues.
• Study with cutting-edge course materials that draw on the internationally recognised development teaching and research of our academics.
• Tailor your learning around development issues of particular interest to you
• Build essential skills for a career in development and related areas.

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Cognitive skills
• Practical and professional skills
• Key skills

Course details

To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits and there are two routes to achieving this with a choice of modules at Stage 1.

Route 1 begins with Understanding global development (DD870) which critically interrogates global approaches to contemporary development and sets these in the context of the evolution of development thinking and practice.

Route 2 begins with Global development in practice (D890) presented on the award-winning FutureLearn platform. With an emphasis on development as practice, you'll discover, critically analyse, evaluate, and apply the key tools and techniques needed by a development manager or practitioner.

Route 1

• Understanding global development (DD870)
• Key challenges in global development (DD871)

Route 2

• Global development in practice (D890)
• Key challenges in global development (DD871)

You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.