MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
BA (Hons) Economics and International Development
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Economics and International Development program at the University of Sussex provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection between economics and international development. This multidisciplinary program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of economic theory, while also addressing key issues related to poverty, inequality, sustainability, and global development challenges. Students will gain both theoretical insights and practical skills, preparing them for careers in international development, policy-making, and economics. By combining economic analysis with an understanding of global developmental issues, the program encourages students to think critically about how economics can be used to promote social justice and sustainable development across the world.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Economics and International Development program is carefully structured to provide a solid grounding in both economics and development studies. In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamentals of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and development theories, along with quantitative methods essential for analyzing economic and development data. As they progress, students dive deeper into the study of development economics, exploring topics such as globalization, inequality, international trade, and the economics of poverty reduction. The program also includes modules on international development policies, the role of institutions, and the challenges of sustainable development. Advanced modules in econometrics and research methods further strengthen students' analytical skills, preparing them to engage with complex global issues. Optional modules allow for further specialization in areas such as environmental economics, labor markets, and the economics of health and education.
Research Focus: The University of Sussex is renowned for its strong research focus in both economics and international development. The Economics and International Development program benefits from the university's research excellence in development studies, with a particular emphasis on poverty, inequality, human development, and environmental sustainability. Faculty members are actively engaged in high-impact research, collaborating with international organizations, think tanks, and policy institutes to address real-world development challenges. Students are encouraged to engage with current research through seminars, workshops, and independent study projects, contributing to a rich academic environment. The university's Institute of Development Studies (IDS) offers students access to cutting-edge research and insights, making it a hub for learning about global development issues.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex has strong connections with industry and international development organizations, offering students valuable opportunities for industry engagement. The Economics and International Development program includes various opportunities for internships, placements, and fieldwork in development organizations, government agencies, and NGOs. These partnerships ensure that students gain practical experience, working on real-world development projects and applying theoretical knowledge to solve global challenges. The university also hosts guest lectures, workshops, and career events featuring professionals from the development sector, helping students build their networks and gain insights into the latest trends in international development. Sussex’s proximity to international development hubs, such as London, further enhances these opportunities, providing students with access to key organizations in the field.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Economics and International Development program at Sussex places a strong emphasis on a global perspective, preparing students to understand and tackle the challenges faced by developing countries. The program incorporates a wide range of global issues, including economic development, human rights, climate change, and global governance. Sussex’s diverse student body and international faculty create an inclusive environment that fosters cross-cultural understanding and global dialogue. The university also offers exchange programs with partner institutions around the world, providing students with opportunities to gain international experience and broaden their understanding of development issues in different contexts. This global outlook is crucial for students who wish to work in international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies addressing global development challenges.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 19050
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.
Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.
Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Economics and International Development program at the University of Sussex are well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers within economics, international development, and related fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, which combines economic theory with the practicalities of global development, ensures that students gain a broad skill set that is highly valued by employers across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
International Development Consultant: International development consultants provide advisory services to governments, NGOs, and international organizations on policy, program implementation, and project management. They may focus on areas such as poverty reduction, sustainable development, gender equality, or education, applying their knowledge of economics and development strategies to design and evaluate development programs. Graduates with a strong understanding of development economics are well-prepared to engage with global development challenges and offer solutions.
Economic Policy Analyst: Economic policy analysts work with governments, think tanks, or international organizations to analyze the economic implications of policies and propose changes. With a focus on economic development and social justice, graduates can work on policy issues such as income inequality, social security, and economic growth strategies, providing evidence-based recommendations to improve economic conditions, particularly in developing regions.
Development Economist: Development economists analyze economic data and trends to understand the factors that drive development in low-income countries. They may work with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, or various NGOs, focusing on issues like poverty alleviation, trade policy, education, and healthcare. Their work involves conducting research to inform policy decisions aimed at improving the living standards of vulnerable populations.
Project Manager for International Development NGOs: Many graduates go on to work in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on international development. Project managers in this sector coordinate development projects, ensuring that they meet objectives on time and within budget. Graduates are often involved in managing programs related to health, education, environmental sustainability, and economic development, utilizing their skills in economics to monitor financial resources and outcomes.
Sustainable Development Advisor: Sustainable development advisors provide expert guidance to organizations and governments on how to integrate sustainability into their economic development strategies. This role involves analyzing the long-term economic, environmental, and social impacts of development projects and recommending solutions that promote sustainability. Graduates with a focus on environmental economics and sustainable development are well-positioned for such roles, addressing global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
Public Sector Economist: Public sector economists work within government agencies or international bodies to analyze and advise on economic policies that affect national and global development. They may be involved in assessing the impact of fiscal policies, labor market trends, or economic inequality. By working in public sector roles, graduates can contribute to shaping policies that enhance economic stability and promote inclusive development in both developing and developed economies.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates of the program may also choose to work directly on the ground in developing countries as part of humanitarian aid initiatives. They could be involved in disaster relief, community development, or emergency response programs, where their understanding of development economics, social policy, and global challenges can help improve the livelihoods of people affected by crises.
International Trade Specialist: International trade specialists focus on the economic relationships between countries, analyzing trade policies, tariffs, and market access to ensure the effective exchange of goods and services. With a strong background in economics and international development, graduates can work with trade organizations, government agencies, or corporations to understand and manage international economic relations, promoting development through trade policies that benefit developing nations.
Researcher in Development Studies or Economics: Those with a passion for academic research may pursue careers as researchers, either within academic institutions, think tanks, or research organizations. They can contribute to the global body of knowledge on development economics, working on projects that explore issues such as poverty, inequality, and global health. Graduates may also go on to pursue postgraduate studies to specialize in specific areas of development.
