Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development
Description
The world is at a turning point, with humanity facing unprecedented global challenges. In this postgraduate certificate you'll explore historical and contemporary theories about global development and critically examine their role in shaping development policy and practice, the opportunities and challenges humanity faces in tackling global challenges and bringing about positive change. It will provide you with an in-depth understanding of key development issues, such as migration, environmental sustainability and the global politics of development, and encourage you to reflect on ways to engage with development issues at different scales. You will be introduced to a conceptual framework to help analyse and understand global development in a multitude of contexts, drawing on a range of case study material. In the process, you will enhance your skills in critical thinking, working with evidence, and presenting arguments using a variety of techniques and media.
How long does it take?
Maximum – 1 year
Key features of the course
- Provides knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts to make sense of global development issues.
- Critically engages with the global development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
- Encourages you to reflect on your standpoint, and that of others, with respect to global development debates.
- Builds essential skills for a career in development and related areas.
Planning your studies
It is recommended that you hold a UK bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working, in a paid or voluntary capacity, in a development-related agency (international or local), public sector or business setting prior to embarking on this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory, and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details. If you’re not sure whether your English skills are good enough, there is some help and guidance at our Skills for OU Study website.
Career relevance and employability
Development scholars and practitioners are highly employable social scientists. They go on to a wide range of destinations after graduation, including:
- Development managers
- Government policy makers
- Development consultants
- Business managers
- Environmental consultants
- Data analysis and visualisation using development techniques
- Transport planners
- Commercial analysts
- Financial services
- Field centre instructors
- Teachers
In addition, significant number of postgraduate students choose to register for doctoral studies in a variety of specialised areas.
Modules
To gain this qualification, you need 60 credits from the following:
Compulsory module |
Credits |
Next start |
- Understanding global development (DD870)
This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.
See full description
|
60 |
Oct 2024 |
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 20 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:
- Knowledge and understanding
- Cognitive skills
- Practical and professional skills
- Key skills
Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Credit for previous study elsewhere
You cannot count credit for study you have already completed elsewhere towards this qualification.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
How to register
If you want to study for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of
our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the
module you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that module.
During the registration procedure you will be asked to declare which qualification you are studying towards.
See a full list of modules available for this qualification