Course details
Modules
There are two routes to this postgraduate diploma with a choice of modules at Stage 1.
Route 1 begins with Understanding global development (DD870) which critically interrogates global approaches to contemporary development and sets these in the context of the evolution of development thinking and practice. It focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals and introduces a range of key development challenges, including environmental sustainability, socio-economic security, global migration, the impact of technological innovation, and the changing politics of development.
Route 2 begins with Global development in practice (D890) which teaches a range of skills needed by a development manager or practitioner to do with strategic thinking, research, advocacy, planning, policy making and evaluation.
To gain this qualification, you need 120 credits and there are two routes to achieving this.
Route 1
Route 2
You should note that the University’s unique study rule applies to this qualification. This means that you must include at least 60 credits from OU modules that have not been counted in any other OU qualification that has previously been awarded to you.
Credit transfer
If you’ve successfully completed some relevant postgraduate study elsewhere, you might be able to count it towards this qualification, reducing the number of modules you need to study. You should apply for credit transfer as soon as possible, before you register for your first module. For more details and an application form, visit our
Credit Transfer website.
On completion
On successful completion of the required modules for the qualification you will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Global Development. You will be entitled to use the letters PG Dip Glob Dev (Open) after your name.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
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.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2021.
Career relevance
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
- International Development
- Field centre instructors
- Teachers
In addition, a significant number of postgraduate students choose to register for doctoral studies in variety of specialised areas. A 2017 report by the Devex development community platform notes that “Global development remains a highly competitive field, constantly demanding skilled and experienced professionals to tackle a range of challenges around the globe while keeping up with the ever-evolving nature of the sector”. It further acknowledges that “recruiters predict a growing need for local candidates, and organizations are increasingly interested in professionals from non-traditional backgrounds”.