Global Development Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Get the skills to fight for a more equal, just and fairer society by tackling the most critical issues threatening our world.

With climate change, poverty, inequality and global conflict compromising our way of life, our world dangles precariously on a knife-edge.

However, global development specialists have the expertise and passion to address our planet’s most urgent concerns. Skilled in project management, cross-cultural communication and data analysis, they design sustainable solutions, facilitate humanitarian aid and advocate for a better tomorrow.

This course immerses you in the complex but fulfilling role of global development and how it drives positive change. You’ll delve into the politics of inequality, poverty, economic and social development, while learning how this industry works to help manage them.

The core of this programme builds your understanding of global development practices. You’ll also engage with how current global initiatives, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), came into being. You’ll then develop your understanding of how global development agencies design and deliver their programmes.

By the end of your course, you’ll have the confidence and skills to better understand how the world works and to help ensure a better way of life for all.

“All staff in the development modules are really friendly, and you feel like they really want to see you do well, because they love what they do and want to see students succeed.”

Luke Humphrey, BA International Development

Why study at Leeds?

* Excellent prospects: 86% of students surveyed on this course are in work or doing further study 15 months after graduating (Discover Uni).

* A world-ranked School: Build your global development expertise in our highly-regarded School of Politics and International Studies.

* Engage with expert tutors: Learn from influential academics who are helping shape policy and hear from inspiring guest speakers.

* Level up your research skills: Add an analytical focus to your degree with the chance to apply for a Quantitative Research Methods pathway, helping you develop advanced analytical skills in high demand by employers worldwide.

* Study abroad: Enhance your skillset and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with a year studying abroad.

* Gain real-world experience: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate by applying for a paid industrial work placement year. 

Rankings and awards

* 18th in the world for Development Studies, QS World Rankings by Subject 2026

* University of Leeds is ranked 77th in the world, QS World University Rankings 2027

Where this degree could take you

You’ll be well set up for a range of career paths, including:

* international development agencies

* international organisations

* governments

* political organisations

* non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

* research organisations

* policy-making organisations

* private companies

* the media

* academia

Our graduates have gone on to work in:

* UK or overseas NGOs

* research and consultancy firms

* international organisations such as the UN

* the Civil Service

* the media

Careers support

Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research 

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. 

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.