What is Global Development?

Assess the impact and indicators of global development

Around the world, different countries, their populations, and economies are developing at different rates.

On this five-week course, you’ll explore the reason behind uneven development. You’ll critically evaluate key definitions and concepts of global development and discover its impact on the world.

Using Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi, as a case study, you’ll gain a contextual understanding of the factors that help or hinder development, how development is measured, and how uneven development can be addressed.

Analyse the key development indicators of Nairobi, Kenya

Comparing Kenya to other countries around the world, you’ll discover differences in development not only on a global scale but on a local scale, even within the context of different neighbourhoods.

You’ll identify the drivers of inequality, examining the availability of natural resources and high-value industries as integral to their development.

You’ll then explore how developing countries are represented by the media and analyse the effectiveness of different strategies within humanitarian communication.

Investigate the factors that affect demography, health and wellbeing

The health of a population is affected by many social, environmental, and political factors.

You’ll examine the profound effect of poverty and inequality on health and wellbeing, gaining a deeper understanding of the social determinants of health within developmental contexts.

Examine urbanisation, urban growth, and migration

In your final week, you’ll examine the motivations behind population change and explore the opportunities and challenges it presents.

You’ll finish this course having gained a deeper understanding of global development and the drivers that affect development in different areas.

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in global development and disparity around the world.

It is particularly suited to those interested in studying development at a university level, or those considering a career working in the humanitarian sector or organisations involved in global development operations.

This course is designed for anyone with an interest in global development and disparity around the world.

It is particularly suited to those interested in studying development at a university level, or those considering a career working in the humanitarian sector or organisations involved in global development operations.

• Explain the key ideas, concepts and debates in global development
• Evaluate the different meanings and perceptions of development
• Investigate how development is measured
• Assess how 'development'and 'developing countries' are represented
• Explore the causes and consequences of population growth and distribution
• Describe urbanisation and the motivations that attract people to cities