Globalisation, Development and Transition: University of Westminster

Introduction

This is a multidisciplinary course which offers you the opportunity to engage with a range of perspectives and interpretations around the theme of globalisation and its implications for the less developed regions of the world. The course focuses on the nature and meaning attached to the concept of globalisation, and the variable ways in which global economic, political, and institutional processes interact locally within the Third World.

This  course aims to provide you with an understanding of the processes of globalisation, development and transition appropriate to postgraduate level. Specifically, it aims to:

• provide you with a critical interdisciplinary examination of the processes of globalisation, development and transition
• encourage a critical exploration and analysis of the economic, political, social and cultural dimensions of globalisation and development
• explore the role and operation of financial, economic and legal institutions in the global economy
• encourage you to reflect on the relationship between global processes and their varying impacts on countries/regions and social groups
• develop relevant general skills and abilities, both academic and practical
• promote a scholarly commitment to open and critical enquiry

Course Content

A distinctive feature of the course is that, unlike orthodox programmes in development/Third World studies, it includes examination of the impact of globalisation on transitional and post-socialist societies. In addition to the core modules which examine the economic, political and social dimensions of globalisation, a range of options allows you to pursue studies of a number of issues, including global financial markets, the international economy, international humanitarian law, and gender and development. In addition, there are opportunities for some regional specialisation by taking options on Latin America, Asia and the post-socialist economies.

The structure of the course reflects the teaching interests and the research expertise of staff drawn from across the University. The course will appeal to those who value an opportunity to reflect critically on global development, and to those with a background in working for governmental, inter-governmental and nongovernmental organisations, and a range of international business organisations, while also providing appropriate preparation to those seeking employment in such diverse fields.

Core modules:

• Culture and Globalisation
• Dissertation
• Political Economy of Globalisation
• Research Methods in Globalisation

Options:

• Asia and Globalisation
• Gender and Development
• Globalisation and Post-Socialist Transition
• Globalisation and Trade
• International Humanitarian Law
• Latin America and Globalisation
• Sport, Media and Leisure
• The Economics of Global Financial Markets
• The International Economy
• Transnational Crime

Entry Requirements

• Students will normally be expected to have a good Honours degree (First or Upper Second Class) in an appropriate social science or humanities discipline, such as Geography, Politics, Development Studies, or History. Exceptionally, if a student has a lower class degree, he/she will be admitted, provided his/her application is supported by additional evidence that he/she will be able to benefit from undertaking the course.
• If an applicant’s first language is not English, he/she will need an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL score of 650, or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency, overall grade B.