Module manager: Prof Anna Mdee & Dr Katie Hodgkinson
Email: A.L.Mdee@leeds.ac.uk/K.A.Hodgkinson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
PIED 2204 (due to title change)
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module focuses on the theory and practice of the international development industry. The main theoretical perspectives will be examined through an historical review that sketches the rise (and fall) of competing theories since the creation of the Bretton Woods institutions. These theoretical perspectives will be juxtaposed with critical insights into how institutions of international development operate in practice. The module will explore the practical dilemmas of doing international development, and engage students in exploring case studies of contemporary international development practice.
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to international development theory and practice. You will engage with a range of theoretical debates on the normative underpinnings and implementation of international development. The module provides a historical perspective on the emergence of international development as a concept, its changing priorities over the decades, and the winners and losers of different policy approaches. You will then relate theoretical ideas to action through analysis of approaches to international development projects and programmes on the ground. You will learn about the various stakeholders involved in international development policy and practice. The module also introduces tools that are frequently used by international development actors and enables students to analyse their application in practice.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Demonstrate a broad understanding of concepts of International Development theory and practice, as applied to the international development industry since 1945.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of the capacities and incentives of various international development actors, such as multilateral and bilateral agencies, NGOs, government and local agencies and citizens.
3. Appreciate and critically evaluate the appropriateness of different theoretical and practical approaches used in the international development industry.
4. Be able to make arguments and evaluations of the main debates within the study of International Development.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Retrieve, organise, and produce complex summaries of information and/or data relating to international development activities.
6. Work with others in a collaborative way to produce a collective output relating to international development practice.
7. Use digital technologies to retrieve data and information on international development industry practice, and use them to communicate this information to others.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1 | 11 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
A formal formative assessment opportunity will be provided for each summative assessment task, which is specifically pedagogically aligned to that task. As part of this, each student will receive feedback designed to support the development of knowledge and skills that will be later assessed in the summative task.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | . | 50 |
| Coursework | . | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team