Development Studies

Entry requirements

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree plus a Masters degree with a Merit classification in a Social Science plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements Doctoral School English language requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

Study MPhil/PhD in Development Studies at SOAS to realise your potential to tackle global injustice and transform the world with your research impact.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll join a renowned globally diverse research community with access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

The Department currently has over 70 research students, working on a range of research topics in many parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. We are particularly interested in potential research students who wish to work in one of the main Departmental Research Clusters, specifically:

• Agrarian Change and Development
• Global Labour, Activism and Social Justice
• Violence, Conflict and Peace
• Migration, Mobility and Development
• Environment

SOAS research students are encouraged to attend weekly training sessions to introduce them to a number of practical techniques and vocational skills utilised within the development profession, seminars on topics relevant to Development Studies and, where appropriate, post-experience workshops.

See the list of completed PhDs.

Why study MPhil/PhD Development Studies at SOAS?

• we are ranked number 2 in the QS World University Rankings in the subject of Development Studies
• SOAS is ranked in the top 5 universities in the UK for producing a CEO or Managing Director, according to new research
• academic staff and their research areas include Professor Laura Hammond MA, PhD (Wisconsin) Horn of Africa; Ethiopia; Somalia; forced migration; resettlement; returnees; remittances; international assistance and Professor Gilbert Achcar BA (Lyons) BA, MA (Lebanese University Beirut) PhD (Paris VIII) Middle East and north Africa; social and political theory; international relations; globalisation; sociology of religion

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website