Investigate key ideas, concepts, and debates surrounding global development, focusing on Nairobi, Kenya, as a case study.
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Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
What is Global Development?
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
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.
Syllabus
Week 1
Introduction to the Course and Measuring Development
Introduction to the course and measuring development
In this activity we will start to think about the many meanings of the term ‘development’.
Week 2
Uneven development
Uneven development
In this activity we will focus on our case study, Kenya.
Week 3
Media and Development
Media and Development
The media plays an important role in shaping public perceptions of development and the ‘developing world’ in the Global North.
Week 4
Demography, Gender, Health and Development
Demography, gender, health and development
This week we will learn about how demographics affect development by studying populations pyramids and demographic transition.
Week 5
Migration and Urbanisation
Migration and urbanisation
In this session we will discuss the causes and consequences of urbanisation.
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 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.
Who will you learn with?
Associate Professor in Media and Global Development at University of East Anglia - UK.
Researcher, analyst and educator specialising in anthropology, geography and international development. Lecturer in International Development at the Open University.
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.
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Start learning today |
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Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $79/one-off payment | Free |
Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Try this course - with limits | |
Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 5 weeks |
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Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
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
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one 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
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 5 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) |
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
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- 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
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- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
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Map your progress
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- 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
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