Global Development (Labour and Activism)

Entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) applicants apply for MSc Global Development but can decide to follow the Labour and Activism Pathway upon arrival by choosing the combination of modules required.

Students are encouraged to examine critically the relationship between labour, capitalism, development and poverty.

We investigate labour in the contemporary social and economic development of the Global South as well as established and emerging social movements of labour in local, national and international spaces. You will learn to identify and evaluate the relationship between collective agency, policy and vice-versa.

We work in a seminar/tutorial formats that encourage critical thinking and participation via an emphasis on the relationship between theory and practice. Programme lecturers are not just research active. We are also activists and have experience of participation in labour and social movements across the world - Latin America, Africa and Asia and Europe and have on-going contacts with such movements as well as with NGOs and international organisations.

Why study MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) at SOAS

• SOAS is ranked 5th in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• We are ranked 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation (QS World University Rankings 2025)
• There is also the opportunity to take virtual work placements. This year MSc students taking the International Development Placement module were offered placements at the Overseas Development Institute, ISEAL, and MSF. (Numbers in this module are capped to 75 students due to limited availability)

Who should apply

The MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) programme is for students who wish to understand how labour and collective agency impacts on core processes of development. Our students acquire skill sets that combine theory and practice of labour, social movements and how they interplay with key developmental themes and interventions.

The programme is relevant to students with a strong background in the social sciences in their first degree as well as practitioners and activists from a wide spectrum of organisations and approaches.

Information for international students

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

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees and funding.