Watch a sample episode now
In this course, you will learn about global development studies, including who should consider studying this field and the various career paths it can lead to. You will explore the history of global development, tracing its evolution from an early focus on economic growth to a more comprehensive approach in contemporary times. You will discover how the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) guide efforts to create a fairer and more sustainable world, and examine why extreme poverty continues to be a significant global issue, despite progress made in recent decades, and how crises such as COVID-19 and ongoing conflicts have exacerbated the situation. The course will also highlight the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on the world’s poorest communities and how escalating geopolitical tensions are hindering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. In episode three, you will explore three potential futures for global development: one scenario where international cooperation deteriorates and inequality worsens; another where new alliances, national innovation, and grassroots activism provide hope; and a third scenario where the future is shaped by informed, engaged individuals like you. You will learn that development is not a fixed concept and that your choices, such as voting and staying informed, can contribute to building a more just and sustainable world.
Charis EnnsThe University of ManchesterPolitics
All episodes
1. An introduction to Global Development
2. Global Development challenges
3. The future of Global Development
4. Activity
About the university
The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a world-leading institution, part of the prestigious Russell Group, and ranked 6th in the UK and 52nd globally. Our students benefit from outstanding teaching, groundbreaking research and a unique commitment to social responsibility - one of our three core goals. We offer over 1,000 degree programmes and attract more undergraduate applications than any other UK university. From Nobel Prize-winning discoveries to tackling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, we’ve shaped society for over 200 years. Located in one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities, we empower students to thrive and make a difference on a global scale.
Meet the academic
Charis Enns
Charis Enns is a Senior Lecturer in Socio-Environmental Systems at the Global Development Institute. Her work focuses on rural development. She is specifically interested in how environmental change impacts rural communities’ access to land, their livelihoods and their interactions with nature. Her current research projects are in East and Southern Africa and focus on: Indigenous-led biodiversity conservation; citizen science and community monitoring of wildlife; and community land rights, rights of nature and historical land injustices. Charis' research sits at the intersection of critical development studies, human, environmental and animal geographies, and political ecology. Her approach to research is politically engaged and influenced by the scholar-activism tradition, placing emphasis on collaborative and collective learning, reflection and action.
In every Subject Spotlight you’ll find
On-demand interactive video content
Sign up, log in and access a wide range of potentially life-changing Subject Spotlight experiences that will help you make informed decisions about your university future.
Remarkable & relatable academics
Learn from some of the UK’s finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.
Interactive quizzes and activities
Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you’ve done.
Content to enhance students’ personal statements
Hear direct from the academics what’s expected of you in your personal statements, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!
Certificate of completion
You’ll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!