Overview
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.
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.
Please note that fees go up each year. See research fees for further details.
Employment
A degree like Development Studies programme from SOAS University of London 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.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Amnesty International
- BBC World Service
- British Embassy Brussels
- Department for International Development
- Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
- Embassy of Japan
Get more details
Visit programme websiteProgramme Structure
- During the module of your first year, you are required to attend the Department’s Postgraduate Research Training Seminar. These sessions will provide you with the essential training in research methodology and will assist you in getting started: specifically, they will assist you in writing the constituent components of the ‘upgrade paper’ that you have to submit and defend in a viva in Term 3 of your first year.
- Once students have passed their upgrade, they should immediately proceed with designing the details of the empirical work and organising the drafts written in the module of the first year. As most Development Studies students will embark on fieldwork in their second year, it is important to keep the 3-year time limit in mind, and to not postpone writing chapters until after the completion of fieldwork.
Check out the full curriculum
Visit programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
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Delivered
Campus Location
- London, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Sustainable Development View 20 other PhDs in Sustainable Development in United KingdomExplore more key information
Visit programme websiteWhat students do after studying
Academic requirements
English requirements
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- 98 accuracy using real exam data
- 4.9/5 student rating
Other requirements
General 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.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit programme websiteTuition Fees
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International Applies to you
Applies to youNon-residents23390 GBP / year≈ 23390 GBP / year -
Domestic Applies to you
Applies to youCitizens or residents4860 GBP / year≈ 4860 GBP / year
Living costs
London
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
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Scholarships Information
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Development Studies.
Available Scholarships
You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.
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