MSc Development Studies
SOAS University of London
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.1) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

location-pin
Location

SOAS, University of London

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

23-SEP-24

time
Duration

1 year

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full time

Start date

23-SEP-24

Duration

1 year

SELECTED

Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part time

Start date

23-SEP-24

Duration

2 years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Politics
SELECTED

Economics
SELECT

Exam type

Select a an exam type


Location

Select student location


Domestic
SELECTED

EU
SELECT

Rest of World
SELECT

Course info

OverviewDevelopment 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. This programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.Highlights include:the meanings of development and the challenges it ...Read more

Overview

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. This programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.

Highlights include:

  • the meanings of development and the challenges it faces
  • neoliberalism and its critiques
  • industrialisation, labour and capital
  • state failure, poverty and insecurity
  • gender and class analysis
  • NGOs, civil society and social movements
  • globalisation, commodity chains and trade
  • the agrarian question, peasantry and land

The MSc 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 is this programme for?

The 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.

Teaching & Learning

Our teaching and learning approach is designed to support and encourage students in their own process of self-learning, and to develop their own ideas, responses and critique of international development practice and policy. We do this through a mixture of lectures, and more student-centred learning approaches (including tutorials and seminars). Teaching combines innovative use of audio-visual materials, practical exercises, group discussions, and weekly guided reading and discussions, as well as conventional lecturing.

In addition to the taught part of the masters programme, all students will write a 10,000 word dissertation. Students develop their research topic under the guidance and supervision of an academic member of the Department. Students are encouraged to explore a particular body of theory or an academic debate relevant to their programme through a focus on a particular region.

Employment

A postgraduate degree from the Department of Development Studies at SOAS will further develop your understanding of the world, other peoples’ ways of life and how society is organised, with an emphasis on transferable analytical skill. These skills have been of great benefit to the many graduates who have taken up professional careers in development in international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations. This, in addition to your detailed subject knowledge, will also equip you with a set of other specific skills, including: critical skills; the ability to research extensively; a high level of cultural awareness; and the ability to solve problems.

Key stats

Politics
WUSCA ranking
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2023 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
74/81
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
12th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2024
58th
What students say
E
Eamonn
02 Nov 23
T
Tamilore
02 Nov 23

It's very inclusive and multicultural. It appreciates the diversity of society...Read more

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£12,220 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

£25,320 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Development Economics reviews

Development Economics
Development Economics
Development Politics
T
Tamilore
02 Nov 23
MSc Development Studies
It's very inclusive and multicultural. It appreciates the diversity of society....
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Development Economics students rated:

Student rating
( 4.5) 17 reviews
5 star
48%
4 stars
52%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 730 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
15%
2 stars
2%
1 star
1%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London , Camden

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally....

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
58th
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
Thinking of studying in London?

Check out our

London city guide

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate