• UEA - University of East Anglia logo

What is Global Development?

Explore the key ideas, concepts and debates around the study of global development, using Nairobi in Kenya as a case study.

6,761 enrolled on this course

Nairobi market place

What is Global Development?

6,761 enrolled on this course

  • 5 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    5 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Discover the fascinating study of global development

On this course, you will learn how global development is conceptualised, imagined and communicated as an area of study.

You will consider the ways international development impacts individuals living in different parts of the world, focusing on Nairobi in Kenya.

You will use the example of Nairobi to relate abstract concepts and debates to the lived experiences of real people.

Upon completion of this course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of indicators of development, population growth, migration, urbanisation, and environmental issues like waste and pollution.

What topics will you cover?

  • Imagining Cities of the South: Media and development
  • The global city: Trade and economic development
  • Living in the city: Population, migration and urbanisation
  • Urban challenges: Housing, infrastructure and waste
  • Urban futures: NGOs, sustainable development policy and practice

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • 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

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone interested in diversity across the world.

It will be of particular interest to those considering study or work in global development.

Who will you learn with?

David Girling

Associate Professor in Media and Global Development at University of East Anglia - UK.

Emil Dauncey

Researcher, analyst and educator specialising in anthropology, geography and international development. Lecturer in International Development at the Open University.

Martin Scott

I am a Professor in Media and Global Development at the University of East Anglia, UK. I am the author of 'Media and Development' and study media freedom and humanitarian news.

Who developed the course?

UEA - University of East Anglia logo

UEA (University of East Anglia)

The University of East Anglia is an internationally renowned university providing top quality academic, social and cultural facilities to over 15,000 students from over 100 countries around the globe.

Ways to learn

Buy this course

Subscribe & save

Limited access

Choose the best way to learn for you!

$79/one-off payment

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Free

Fulfill your current learning needDevelop skills to further your careerSample the course materials
Access to this courseticktick

Access expires 18 Mar 2025

Access to 1,000+ coursescrosstickcross
Learn at your own paceticktickcross
Discuss your learning in commentstickticktick
Certificate when you're eligiblePrinted and digitalDigital onlycross
Continue & Upgrade

Cancel for free anytime

Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$79/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 18 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Learner reviews

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...

You can use the hashtag #DEVMOOC to talk about this course on social media.