MPhil in Development Studies
SOAS University of London
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2 options available
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Qualification

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

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Location

SOAS, University of London

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

3 years

Course info

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Qualification

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

MPhil - Master of Philosophy

Location

SOAS, University of London

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

6 years

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Course info

Study our on-campus 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 ...Read more

Study our on-campus 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
  • Labour, Activism and Global Development
  • 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.

Why study MPhil/PhD Development Studies at SOAS?

  • SOAS is ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2023).

Students are expected to upgrade from MPhil to PhD status after their first year.
It is expected that you will meet your assigned Supervisor in your first week at SOAS, and that, in consultation with your Supervisor, you will choose one other academics to serve on your research committee.

All MPhil/PhD students have a supervisory committee, comprising their main supervisor, and one other academic staff member. In the first year, PhD students will have regular formal tutorials during term time with their main supervisor, working towards the production of their upgrade paper and viva at the end of the academic year.

A degree from the Department of Development Studies at SOAS will further develop your understanding of the world and how society is organised, with specific focus on violence and conflict, the role of aid, refugees and forced migration. Graduates leave with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical skills and cultural awareness.

Key stats

Politics
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
26th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
71st
What students say
M
Mambo-Mary
30 Oct 24

SOAS is a place where people are truly passionate about making a difference, and this has inspired me every day. Whether it's through joining debates or attending student-led..Read more

E
Ellie
02 Oct 24

Good aspects are that it's in central and u can easily..Read more

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.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,860 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)

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 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.

Please note that fees go up each year.

£22,490 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.

Please note that fees go up each year.

IDP Connect

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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
( 4.0) View reviews
CUG ranking
71st
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street Russell Square Camden Greater London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Goodge Street  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.4 miles away
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