BA Global Development and...
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-10-10 | - |
| 2024-01-16 | - |
| 2024-04-24 | - |
Program Overview
Have you got a passion for addressing the major issues and challenges facing today’s global community?
This stimulating programme examines key topics in international development, while analysing the roles and impact of a wide variety of regional and international actors. By the time you graduate, you will have cultivated a deep knowledge of the causes of and responses to poverty, marginalisation and vulnerability in developing countries and the process of dramatic social, economic and political change.
Additionally, the nature of the Combined Honours degree enables you to develop a specialist pathway for yourself by studying a second subject.
Why study Global Development Combined Honours at SOAS?
We are ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2023).
You will have the opportunity to take work placements as part of your degree, and we offer internships in the department and in partner organisations.
Get placed in a development organisation with our exclusive
Professional Placement
module - available to final year Development Studies studentsOur academic staff create an intellectually stimulating and challenging space across the many branches of international development and humanitarianism that make up Development Studies. All modules engage with questions of climate crisis, recognising its impact and interaction with processes of inequality and change.
Our staff specialise in a range of thematic areas including sustainability and climate change, migration and displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, labour, political ecology, and aid and institutions.
Combined with exceptional resources and our interdisciplinary approach, we offer a unique learning and research opportunity for our diverse and vibrant student community.
Program Outline
Students take
120 credits per year
composed of Core, Compulsory and Optional modules.
Core modules:
A core module is required for the degree programme, so must always be taken and passed before you move on to the next year of your programme.Compulsory modules:
A compulsory module is required for the degree programme, so must always be taken, and if necessary can be passed by re-taking it alongside the next year of your programme.Optional modules:
These are designed to help students design their own intellectual journey while maintaining a strong grasp of the fundamentals.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously taught as part of these programmes. However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Year 1
Core modules
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Global Development |
30 |
Compulsory modules
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to Political Economy of Development |
30 |
Students also take
60 credits
from second subjectYear 2
Compulsory modules
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Development from Below |
30 |
Guided options
Students take 30 credits of Y2 guided options,
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
The Working Poor and Labour |
15 |
|
Key Development Thinkers |
30 |
|
Political economy of finance, debt and development |
15 |
|
Development and conflict |
15 |
|
Our Planetary Future: Environment and Development (15Cr) |
15 |
|
Politics of Development |
15 |
|
Development Economics |
15 |
|
251 Anthropology of Economic Life |
15 |
Students also take 60 credits from second subject.
Year 3
Compulsory modules
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Making Change Happen |
30 |
Guided options
Students take 15 credits of Y3 guided options from the list below (availability may vary):
| Module | Credits |
|---|---|
|
Independent study project in Development Studies |
30 |
|
BA Professional Placement |
30 |
|
Issues in Gender and Development |
15 |
|
Global Forced Migration |
15 |
|
Issues in Borders and Development |
15 |
|
Issues in Cities and Development |
15 |
|
Political economy of finance, debt and development |
15 |
|
China and World Development |
15 |
|
Global Economic Policy |
15 |
|
Conflict, Rights and Justice |
15 |
|
351 Migration, Borders and Space: Decolonial Approaches |
15 |
|
353 Anthropology and Climate Change |
15 |
Open options
Students take open options to value of 15 credits at Level 6.
Language open options
Non-language open options
Students also take 60 credits from second subject.
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 guided reading as well as conventional lecturing. Assessment of most modules is through a combination of coursework and written examination.
The introductory and core modules provide the solid disciplinary grounding, whilst options allow students to develop deeper expertise in areas of their own interest. In their final year, students have the opportunity to complete either an Independent Study Project, an extended 10,000 word essay, supervised by one of the Department staff; or an assessed Professional Placement.
Contact hours
All full-time undergraduate programmes consist of 120 credits per year, in modules of 30 or 15 credits. They are taught over 10 or 20 weeks. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. The format and length of teaching sessions varies by module. In the Department of Development Studies, most undergraduate modules have a 2-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial every week. A few modules, which are jointly taught with PG students, have a 1-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial every week.
Year abroad
If Global Development is combined with a Language in a four-year degree programme, students spend a study year abroad in their third year.
SOAS Library
SOAS Library
is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.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.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
Find out about our
Careers Service
.School of Oriental and African Studies, London (SOAS)
Overview:
SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies, is a public research university in London, specializing in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is renowned for its diverse academic programs, world-class research, and commitment to global understanding.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Focus:
SOAS offers a unique opportunity to study the cultures, languages, and societies of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.World-Class Faculty:
The university boasts a distinguished faculty of experts in their respective fields, providing students with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.Diverse Student Body:
SOAS attracts students from all over the world, creating a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.Research Opportunities:
SOAS is a leading research institution, offering students opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.Academic Programs:
SOAS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History of Art & Archaeology, Music, Media & CommunicationLanguages, Cultures, and Linguistics:
African Languages, Cultures, and Literatures, China & Inner Asia, Japan & Korea, Near & Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, Translation StudiesSocial Sciences:
Anthropology & Sociology, Development Studies, Economics, Finance & Management, Gender Studies, Law, Politics & International Studies, Religions & PhilosophiesOther:
SOAS is a member of the University of London and is located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. The university has a strong commitment to social justice and global citizenship, and its research and teaching contribute to a better understanding of the world.
A Levels
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Austria
: Reifeprufungszeugnis / Maturazeugnis: four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Belgium
: Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs: 80% (8/10, 16/20) overall
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Belgium
Bulgaria:
Diploma za Zavarsheno Sredno Obrazovanie: 5.5 and 5.0 in two State Maturity Exams
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Bulgaria
Canada:
High School Diploma:
83% with 5 acceptable Grade 12 subjects (most territories).British Colombia: AAABB in Grade 12 subjects.
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Canada
China:
Senior Secondary Graduation Certificate + Gaokao:
80% overall in Gaokao PLUS 85% overall in Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate (year 11 and 12)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from China
Croatia:
Matura Certificate:
5 overall with 5 in 2 Higher level subjects
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Cyprus:
Apolytirion with 2 A-Levels:
Apolytirion 18/20 + A-level grades AB
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Czech Republic:
Matura Certificate:
1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Denmark:
Studentereksamen; Hojere Forberedelseseksamen; Hojere Handelseksamen; Hojere Teknisk Eksamen:
10 plus 10, 10, 7 in three Level A subjects
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Denmark
Estonia:
Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus:
4.5 with 85%, 85%, and 80% in 3 state exams
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Finland:
Ylioppilastukint / Studentexamen:
four subjects at 6, 6, 6, 5
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
France:
French Baccalaureat or Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB):
14/20
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from France
Germany:
Abitur:
1.6
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Germany
Greece:
Apolytirion of Geniko Lykeio with Pan Hellenic exams:
18.5/20
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Greece
Hong Kong:
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education:
554 in two electives and one core module (all other subjects grade 3)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Hong Kong
Hungary:
Matura (Erettségi):
5 overall
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Iceland:
Stúdentspróf:
8
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
India:
Standard XII
:
80% (CBSE, CISCE, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra & West Bengal boards), 85% (all other state boards)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from India
Ireland:
Irish Leaving Certificate:
H1, H1, H2, H2, H3
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Israel:
Bagrut:
Overall grade of 8-10, 85% with 3 subjects at 5-unit level
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Israel
Italy:
Diploma Consequito con L’Esame di Stato:
85% overall
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Italy
Latvia:
Certificate of General Secondary Education:
88% in four State subject exams
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Lithuania:
Brandos Atestatas:
9/10 and 90%, 90%, 85% in three State Exams
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Lithuania
Malta:
Advanced Matriculation Certificate:
AA (Advanced) + BBB (Intermediate)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Netherlands:
Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs:
Overall 7.5 with 8, 8, 8, 7 in four subjects
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Norway:
Vitnemål vidergaende opplaering:
4.7 overall
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Norway
Poland:
New Polish Matura:
80% in three Advanced Level subjects
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Poland
Portugal:
Diploma de Ensino Secundario:
overall 18/20
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Romania:
Diploma de Bacalaureat:
9 overall
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Romania
Singapore:
Polytechnic Diploma (Nanyang, Ngee Ann, Singapore, Temasek and Republic Polytechnic):
GPA 3.5
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Singapore
Slovakia:
Maturitná skúška / Maturita / Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške:
four subjects at 1, 1, 2, 2
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
South Africa:
National Senior Certificate:
77766
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from South Africa
Spain:
Curso de Orientación Universitaria / Título de Bachillerato:
8
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Spain
Sweden:
Slutbetyg / Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan:
A in 1500 credits and no grades below D / 18.5 / mainly A overall (MVG/VG)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Sweden
Switzerland:
Federal Maturity Certificate:
4.7
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Switzerland
Tanzania:
Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education:
ACSE with AAB in 3 principle subjects
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Tanzania
Trinidad and Tobago:
CAPE:
Six CAPE units with grade 2 (+two double-unit courses = grade 2)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Turkey:
Lise Diplomasi:
80-85% (depending on high school)
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from Turkey
USA:
High School Diploma plus ACT, SAT, or AP exams:
plus
SAT 1300or
ACT 29and
2 AP's at 5,4/ 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or
plus
2 AP's at 5,4 or 3 AP's at 5,4,4
or
plus
SAT 1340or
ACT 30
or
A Level equivalent
: AAB
Contextualised offer
: ABB
Information for prospective students from the USA
See
undergraduate entry requirements
andEnglish language requirements
for international and alternative entry requirements.
