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Global Development International Field Course - ENV00038I

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  • Department: Environment and Geography
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2022-23

Module summary

This is a two week field trip to Ghana, where we will work with local universities on short research projects and visit sites of cultural, historical and biological importance. Assessment is based on the research project conducted in Ghana.

Related modules

The module will in AY 23/24 and then every other year (i.e. AY 25-26 etc) Year 2 and 3 students combined.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module consists of a two week field trip to Ghana. The aim of the field trip is to experience some of the key theories, challenges and solutions that are discussed throughout the BA in Global Development degree from a developing country perspective. The module begins with preparatory sessions in class in York to prepare students for the practicalities of conducting research overseas. In collaboration with students from a Ghanian University, students will undertake their own research projects in a relevant topic. The development of research projects will begin pre-departure, and data will be collected in the field. Students will be expected to present their initial findings in Ghana, and on return to York prepare a research report. The module gives students an opportunity to explore a development problem in detail, supported by theoretical and practical research and developing their research skills.

Module aims:

  1. To provide students with a structured opportunity to experience some of the development challenges that are discussed throughout the degree

  2. To enable students to apply the theories of data collection learned within the degree to practical research settings

  3. To provide students with the opportunity to develop and implement a research project under close supervision

  4. To encourage students to understand the links between history, politics and the environment in relation to development goals within a developing country setting.

Module learning outcomes

  • Understanding of how historical complexities continue to influence development today

  • Skills in fieldwork planning, logistics, health and safety and ethics, and research project design

  • Research skills in field data collection, data and critical analysis and evaluation of development issues

  • An ability to work, communicate and conduct research in cross-cultural contexts

  • Oral and written research communication skills

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Within the standard 25 working days

Indicative reading

ABBEY, P., TOMLINSON, P. R. & BRANSTON, J. R. 2016. Perceptions of governance and social capital in Ghana's cocoa industry. Journal of rural studies, 44, 153-163.

ARAUJO, A. L. 2018. Tourism and Heritage Sites of the Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery. Chichester, UK.

INGRAM, V., VAN RIJN, F., WAARTS, Y. & GILHUIS, H. 2018. The Impacts of Cocoa Sustainability Initiatives in West Africa. Sustainability (Basel, Switzerland), 10, 4249.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.