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An image to illustrate the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development
This postgraduate certificate explores historical and contemporary theories about global development and critically examines their role in shaping development policy and practice, the opportunities and challenges humanity faces in tackling global challenges and bringing about positive change. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of key development issues, such as migration, environmental sustainability, and the global politics of development. You’ll be introduced to a conceptual framework to help analyse and understand global development in various contexts, drawing on case study material. In the process, you’ll enhance your skills in critical thinking, working with evidence, and presenting arguments using different media.
To gain this qualification, you'll study one 60-credit module.

ModulesCreditsNext start
You'll study the following:
Understanding global development (DD870)
This module introduces global approaches to contemporary development issues such as poverty, inequality and environmental sustainability, equipping you with the analytical tools to critically examine and respond to these challenges.
Next start date: 03 Oct 2026
See full description
6003 Oct 2026

By studying the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development, you’ll:
You’ll learn through online materials, multimedia resources and tutor-supported activities.
You’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development upon successful completion. You’ll be entitled to use the letters PG Cert Glob Dev (Open) after your name.
Your postgraduate certificate may be awarded with a distinction or a merit. The qualification regulations explain the criteria you’ll need to meet to earn one of these classifications.
If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.
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 to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our Academic Regulations or contact us.
You’ll study the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development part-time, completing 60 credits over a one-year period. Typically, this translates to 16–20 hours of study per week.

The recommended hours include time to work through that week’s online study planner, complete recommended reading, and attend tutorials.

There is no time limit within which you must complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Global Development.
At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.
As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.
Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:
Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.
Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.
For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.
See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.
Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:
Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.
We recommend that you hold a UK bachelors degree (or equivalent), or have had experience of working in a development-related agency (international or local), in either a paid or voluntary capacity, prior to starting this qualification. However, these requirements are not compulsory, and you will not be required to provide any supporting documentary evidence.
Your spoken and written English must be of an adequate standard for postgraduate study. If English is not your first language, we recommend that you will need a minimum overall score of 6 and minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components: reading, writing, speaking and listening under the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Please see the IELTS website for details.
If you’re in any doubt about the suitability of your qualifications or previous experience, please contact us before you enrol.
If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.
You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.
For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
The fees and the funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are for guidance only.
Modules starting in the 2026/27 academic year are open for pre-booking, which means you can reserve your place ahead of the fees being confirmed.
We’ll publish updated 2026/27 fees and funding information on the 25th of March.
You’ll pay for your qualification one module at a time, rather than the full cost upfront. The fee for each module is listed in its description.

£3,320*
Your module materials, tuition, assessment and exams are all included in our module fees.
There are some additional costs that aren’t included.
Further information is available in the module descriptions.
*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
Learn more about spreading the costs with monthly instalments and our other funding options below.
Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.
More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.
We’ll show you how you can pay by bank transfer or combine payment methods.
You may be eligible for:
Development scholars and practitioners are highly employable social scientists. They go on to a wide range of destinations after graduation, including:
In addition, a significant number of postgraduate students choose to register for doctoral studies in a variety of specialised areas.
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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Our prospectuses help you choose your course, understand what it's like to be an OU student and register for study.
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This qualification is open for prebooking. Select the module you will study first, read its full description, and follow the instructions to reserve your place. We’ll contact you when you can complete your registration.
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