Global Development with Work Placement Year

Entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

The MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.

Development Studies is a dynamic field concerned with processes of change in the South — social and economic, political and cultural — and the major policy challenges they present to efforts to overcome poverty and insecurity.

For your placement year, you will have the opportunity to take part in a full-time, 10–12 month work placement at an organisation of your choice. Please note: you will be expected to secure the work placement yourself, to be approved by the academic department. The SOAS Careers team are on hand to help you with your CV, interview skills and finding the right organisation for you.

Why study MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year 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)
• The programme’s emphasis on transferable analytical skills has been of great benefit to the many graduates who have returned to, or taken up, professional careers in development in international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations
• Students also benefit from the wide range of modules on offer, both within the Department and across the School, allowing them to create individualised interdisciplinary programmes.

Who should apply?

The MSc Global Development programme attracts applications from students with a variety of academic and experiential backgrounds. We welcome applications from those who have worked in a broad field of development, but also from students without relevant work experience who can demonstrate a strong interest in, and understanding of, development issues. A good first degree in a social science is preferred.

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