International Development and Food Policy (Hons) University College Cork

Overview

The International Development and Food Policy (Hons) course at University College Cork is the first undergraduate programme in Ireland to have a primary focus on international development. This course will help you understand key issues of development and deliver skills such as languages, research techniques and project management. In your third year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a five-month work placement; this usually takes place with an overseas development agency based in Africa, Asia or Latin America.

Skills and Careers Information

Students on this course develop skills to work effectively in the areas of international development and food policy. These include project management, research methods, data analysis, programme evaluation, and policy analysis. Students also develop a strong understanding of key global issues such as global poverty and hunger, migration, sustainable development, human rights, race, gender, conflict, and food systems. Students acquire general transferrable skills in areas such as IT, economic literacy, capacity for cross-disciplinary understanding, teamwork, communications and report writing. French, Chinese, and Spanish language options are also available.

Our graduates work in a wide range of organisations, for example within the UN system on refugee issues (UNHCR) or on gender equality (UN Women). Graduates also work in some of Ireland’s largest NGOs, including Concern and Trócaire, in areas such as agricultural development, human rights, poverty alleviation and food programmes. Employers value the diverse skills of our graduates who are well-prepared for work in a wide variety of public and private sector organisations.