FullTime World Development

Awarding Body

Welsh Joint Education Committee

Course Content

Many people in Wales have growing concerns about poverty and the environment. This new, one year course at the college seeks to extend and develop students understanding of the growing gap between the rich and the poor and between resources and population. The course will explore development issues such as poverty, inequality, fair and unfair trade, globalisation, debt, the arms trade, environmental sustainability and aid. Students on the course will be able to study the issues and responsibilities surrounding sustainable development and global citizenship in some depth, become informed and take opportunities to become active participants.

Course Features

The teaching encourages students to develop the ability of critical analysis and independent thinking.

The course will develop thorough academic research skills, the ability to reference correctly and synthesise ideas and arguments, all essential skills at university.

The course lecturer has a background working in world development, spending seven years working in the UK charity Oxfam at its headquarters and visiting projects in Central Africa and Eastern Europe.

Regular fieldwork and University lectures will be an integral part of the course.
Career Prospects and Progression

The course has been designed to provide suitable foundation for the study of social sciences at University. There is a direct progression from the A? level to study a degree in World, Sustainable or International Development at Aberystwyth, Bangor, Manchester, Leeds, Bath, Chester and London Met. The study of World Development would prove a great advantage to A? level Geographers particularly when studying Human Geography at Universities. The AS will give all students a greater understanding of development, poverty and the environment, developing them as global citizens. In addition the current affairs knowledge and understanding of Oxbridge candidates will be enhanced, in time for the rigors of their interview process.

Modules

Theme 1: Development, resources and Global Citizenship. Understanding basic human needs and their impact on resources and the environment. Discussing the different approaches to development and achieving sustainable development. Theme 2: Poverty and Inequality. Understanding how poverty is measured in different ways. Discussing how world poverty and inequality are created and why it is fought in different ways. A focus on the consequences of international debt and problems faced by homeless groups and threatened indigenous people. An evaluation of initiatives like Live 8 and the Commission for Africa to reduce poverty and inequality.

Method of Assessment

One exam, worth 70% of marks (WD1) assesses themes 1 and 2. This two hour paper will have four compulsory structured questions. The questions will include the use of a resource booklet and also require extended written answers (similar to the AS Geography exam)

Course Length

1 Year

Time of Delivery

Daytime

Campus

Graig Campus

Bilingual Provision

This course can be studied in English only

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSE grades at grade C or above, including English and Mathematics. A good standard of communication skills is essential. A GCSE in Geography is desirable but an interest in the world and how its changing is more critical.

Full-time or Part-time

FullTime