MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism)
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) at SOAS University of London is a specialized pathway within the broader MSc Global Development program. This pathway offers students an in-depth exploration of development studies through the lens of labor relations and activism, emphasizing the role of social movements and the working poor in driving social change, particularly in the Global South. SOAS's esteemed Department of Development Studies underpins this program, providing a robust academic foundation for students interested in the intersection of labor, activism, and development.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of global development issues, with a particular focus on labor and activism. Core modules cover topics such as development theory, labor and activism in global development, and research methods. Students have the flexibility to choose from a range of elective modules that delve into areas like civil society, social movements, and the development process; feminist political economy; and global health and development. The program culminates in a dissertation, allowing students to conduct independent research on a labor or activism-related topic of their choice.
Research Focus: SOAS is renowned for its research excellence in development studies, particularly in labor and activism-related fields. The university's Department of Development Studies fosters interdisciplinary research, encouraging students to engage with contemporary debates and contribute to scholarly discourse on labor, social movements, and development. Students are supported in conducting original research that challenges conventional perspectives and addresses real-world issues.
Industry Engagement: The program offers students opportunities to engage with development practitioners and organizations. Through internships and work placements facilitated by the university, students can gain practical experience and apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences not only enhance learning but also provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into potential career paths.
Global Perspective: SOAS's diverse student body and international faculty create a vibrant learning environment that reflects the global nature of development challenges. The program emphasizes a global perspective, encouraging students to consider how labor and activism intersect across different cultural, political, and economic contexts. This global outlook equips graduates with the cultural competence and critical thinking skills necessary to work effectively in international development settings.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) program at SOAS University of London is designed for students passionate about understanding the role of labor movements, social activism, and their intersection with global development processes. Graduates from this program gain the necessary knowledge and skills to critically analyze labor issues, social movements, and activism while providing solutions to address economic and social inequalities worldwide. As this program focuses on the transformative power of labor rights, social movements, and grassroots activism, it prepares students for impactful careers in a variety of sectors that aim to create social change.
International Organizations and NGOs: Graduates of the MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) program are well-positioned for careers in international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on human rights, labor rights, and social justice. These organizations work globally to address issues like poverty, inequality, and labor exploitation. Graduates can work with organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Oxfam in roles such as advocacy officers, project managers, policy analysts, or research associates, focusing on labor rights, trade unions, and activism in the Global South.
Labour Rights and Trade Unions: The program’s focus on labor and activism makes graduates ideal candidates for careers within labor unions or organizations advocating for workers' rights. Graduates can take on roles like labor rights activists, union organizers, policy advisors, or labor negotiators. These positions involve advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and social justice for workers, especially in developing countries. Organizations like the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) often seek graduates with expertise in labor movements.
Social Movement Organizations: Graduates can pursue careers in social movement organizations (SMOs) that focus on activism, civil rights, and social justice. These organizations are often at the forefront of political and social change, advocating for marginalized groups, gender equality, environmental justice, and labor rights. Graduates can take up roles as campaign managers, advocacy coordinators, and organizers in SMOs such as the Climate Justice Movement, Black Lives Matter, or Workers’ Rights Networks, where they help mobilize communities and design strategies to advance activism and social change.
Government Agencies and Public Policy: Governmental bodies working on labor rights, social justice, or development policies require professionals who understand the complexities of labor markets, activism, and social movements. Graduates can work in government departments, ministries, or public sector agencies related to labor, human rights, or development. Potential job roles include policy analysts, researchers, and advisors within departments that shape national or international labor policies, such as ministries of labor, social justice, or economic development.
Humanitarian Aid and Development Agencies: Humanitarian organizations addressing socio-political and economic challenges in conflict zones and developing countries need professionals who can advocate for workers' rights and engage with local communities to promote social activism. Graduates can pursue careers in agencies such as the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), World Food Programme (WFP), or Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), taking on roles related to labor and social activism in crisis settings. They may focus on displaced populations, workers in humanitarian aid settings, and marginalized groups' rights to employment and fair working conditions.
Development and Human Rights Consulting: Graduates may choose to work as consultants for development agencies, human rights organizations, or corporations focused on sustainable development and social change. Consulting firms specializing in labor markets, gender, and development often seek professionals who can conduct assessments, provide expert advice, and design policies. Graduates can work in firms that focus on international development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and human rights, offering consulting services to governments, NGOs, or private enterprises.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Social Impact: With increasing emphasis on ethical business practices, CSR initiatives have become an essential part of many corporations' operations. Graduates can work in CSR departments, helping companies implement ethical labor practices and social justice initiatives within their operations and supply chains. Positions such as CSR managers, sustainability consultants, and social impact coordinators enable graduates to influence corporate strategies that promote workers' rights, fair wages, and community empowerment.
Research and Academia: For those interested in continuing their academic journey, the MSc Global Development (Labour and Activism) provides a strong foundation for doctoral research and academic positions. Graduates can pursue PhD programs and contribute to the growing body of research in labor studies, social movements, or activism. Academic careers may include roles as university lecturers, researchers, or policy experts in institutes dedicated to global development, labor rights, and activism.
International Development Journalism and Media: Graduates with an interest in media and communication can enter the field of international development journalism, focusing on labor issues, human rights, and activism. As journalists or media consultants, they may report on global social justice movements, working conditions in global supply chains, and the impact of activism on labor markets. They can contribute to major publications, documentaries, or online platforms that highlight global development and labor issues.
Environmental and Climate Justice Organizations: The intersection between labor, activism, and environmental justice creates opportunities for graduates to work in climate justice organizations. Many climate movements recognize the labor rights issues faced by workers in vulnerable sectors, such as agriculture, construction, and mining. Graduates can work with environmental organizations like Greenpeace, 350.org, or the Environmental Defense Fund, where they can advocate for workers' rights in the context of climate change and sustainability efforts.
