Back to Course menu

Key information

Duration:: 3 years full time
Typical A-level offer:: AAB
View full entry requirements
UCAS code:: L900
Start date:: September 2025

1st in the world for Development Studies

Studying International Development at Sussex will help you develop the knowledge and tools to make a positive difference in the world.

Global challenges such as climate change, conflict and migration shape our world. You’ll explore these issues through their historical legacies and contemporary power structures. Then you'll better understand how we can address them.

On your course, you’ll learn from specialists from different perspectives and disciplines. You will:

challenge simplistic understandings of what development is, who it is for and who does it
learn about the causes of poverty and inequality from a global justice perspective
explore how development practitioners, policymakers, social movements and communities are responding to new challenges
design creative and innovative alternatives to our existing systems, in collaboration with fellow students
take electives from other subjects – from philosophy to law and ecology to modern languages – to tailor your degree to your interests.

Join our vibrant and welcoming community. We are passionate about achieving greater social and environmental justice.

When you graduate, you’ll be able to contribute to just and equitable change. You'll open the door to rewarding careers in areas such as development policy, practice and 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

How to apply

Back to Course menu

A-level

Typical offer	AAB
Contextual offer	View contextual offer 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 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 credits at Distinction
Subjects	Humanities or social sciences.

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

Typical offer

M1 M1 M2

If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M1 and M1 in two Pre-Us.

If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AB at A-level and M1 in Pre-U.

GCSEs

You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

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.

Contextual offer

View contextual offer

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 also 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 and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Contextual offer	View contextual offer 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 also 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
Contextual offer	View contextual offer 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 also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects.

Scottish Highers

Typical offer	AAABB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

Typical offer	AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels
GCSEs	You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects.

International Baccalaureate

Typical offer	34 points overall from the full IB Diploma.

European Baccalaureate

Typical offer	Overall result of at least 80%

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.
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.
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.
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).

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.

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 . If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex.

Check which for the International Foundation Year.

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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 of at least 14/20.
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.
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.
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.

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
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)
80% from SSC All India Senior School Certificate Examination (CBSE)
80% HSC higher Secondary Certificate ( Maharashtra )

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
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
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.

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.
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
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.
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).
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.
Additional requirements	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Typical offer	at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects.
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.
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:

Higher National Diploma
One year at a recognised Nigerian University
Professional Diploma (Part IV) from the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria
Advanced Diploma

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

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
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.

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.

Portugal

Typical offer	Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 17/20 and 18/20.
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
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Additional requirements

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Typical offer	Federal Maturity Certificate.
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.

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:

A Level requirements	AP test grades
AAA	555
AAB	554
ABB	544
BBB	444

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

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

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill

Check your Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) qualification meets all of our language requirements

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

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

Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

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

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) �պ�� Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the �պ�� 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

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 �պ�� Office, not by the �պ��.

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.

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:

Social Sciences (with a foundation year) BA (Hons)

If you don't have the required language skills for this course you could consider the International Study Centre. The ISC offers in combination with English language teaching.

How to apply

Back to Course menu

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

Year 1 at Sussex
Year 2 at Sussex
Experience Year
Year 3 at Sussex

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

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.

Discover our electives and pathways

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 2024/25. 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 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

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

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

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.

Discover our electives and pathways

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

Study abroad (optional)

Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career.

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.

Autumn teaching

Autumn and spring teaching

International Development Thesis

Spring teaching

Check back in January 2025 for more details of the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

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?

from on .

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.

How to apply

Back to Course menu

Our staff

We draw on development expertise from across campus, meaning that students get access to world-leading experts on a wide range of global justice issues, all of whom are actively involved in cutting-edge research.”Professor Anne-Meike Fechter
Head of International Development

Mr Nile Davies

Lecturer in Anthropology

View profile of Nile Davies

Dr Demet Dinler

Lecturer in Anthropology and International Development

View profile of Demet Dinler

Prof Anne-Meike Fechter

Professor of Anthropology and International Development

View profile of Anne-Meike Fechter

Dr Paul Gilbert

Reader in Development, Justice and Inequality

View profile of Paul Gilbert

Dr Julia Hartviksen

Lecturer in Athropology

View profile of Julia Hartviksen

Dr Ushehwedu Kufakurinani

Lecturer in International Development

View profile of Ushehwedu Kufakurinani

Dr Anna Laing

Senior Lecturer in International Development

View profile of Anna Laing

Prof Alan Lester

Professor of Historical Geography

View profile of Alan Lester

Dr Elizabeth Mills

Senior Lecturer in International Development

View profile of Elizabeth Mills

Dr Suda Perera

Lecturer in International Development

View profile of Suda Perera

Dr Dinah Rajak

Reader in Anthropology and International Development

View profile of Dinah Rajak

Prof Anke Schwittay

Professor of Anthropology & Global Development

View profile of Anke Schwittay

Apply now

Back to Course menu

Fees

�պ�� students:: £9,535 per year
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £9,535 per year
International students:: £22,575 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.

Chancellor's International Scholarships

£5,000 in the first year of full-time study

Find out more
Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Bursary

£1,000 in your first year of study (either Year 1 or Foundation Year).

£500 in subsequent years.

Find out more
Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex India Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more
Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Undergraduate)

Up to £4,500 (£1,500 per year of full-time study)

Find out more

How to apply

Back to Course menu

Careers

A degree in International Development from the �պ�� gives you a pathway into a broad range of development-focused, global careers, but you will also develop organisational, communication and interpersonal skills that will benefit you in any future job.

You can use your International Development degree for careers in:

international development and sustainability organisations
the charity, voluntary, social and welfare sectors
the Civil Service, politics and social research.

Throughout the degree, we work with you to establish how you want to make an impact in the world – and help you to get there.

We also 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

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award

How to apply

Return to top of page

International Development BA (Hons)

Key information

Entry requirements

A-level

Other UK qualifications

Access to HE Diploma

Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)

International Baccalaureate

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)

Scottish Highers

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced

International Baccalaureate

European Baccalaureate

Other international qualifications

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Bulgaria

Canada

China

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

India

Iran

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Netherlands

Nigeria

Norway

Pakistan

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

USA

My country is not listed

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Other English language requirements

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

Pearson (PTE Academic)

TOEFL (iBT)

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

GCE O-level

GCSE or IGCSE

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level

West African Senior School Certificate