MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year at SOAS University of London is a two-year program that combines rigorous academic training with practical industry experience. Designed for students aiming to engage deeply with development theory and practice, the program offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding global development challenges. The inclusion of a 10–12 month full-time work placement allows students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their professional skills and employability.
Curriculum: The curriculum provides a solid foundation in development studies, covering key areas such as global health, economic development, and social change. Students have the flexibility to choose up to 30 credits from other departments as open options, allowing for a tailored academic experience. The program culminates in a dissertation, enabling students to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice.
Research Focus: SOAS is renowned for its research excellence in development studies, particularly in areas related to labor, activism, and social justice. The university's Department of Development Studies fosters interdisciplinary research, encouraging students to engage with contemporary debates and contribute to scholarly discourse on development issues. Students are supported in conducting original research that challenges conventional perspectives and addresses real-world problems.
Industry Engagement: A distinctive feature of this program is the integrated work placement year, where students engage in a full-time, 10–12 month placement with an organization of their choice. This practical experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, gain valuable industry insights, and build professional networks. SOAS offers support in securing placements and provides opportunities for internships within the department and partner organizations.
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 development issues 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 with Work Placement Year at SOAS University of London offers students a robust academic foundation in global development studies, combined with practical work experience through a dedicated work placement. This dual approach equips graduates with the necessary skills and real-world insights to excel in various careers within international development, human rights, policy analysis, and more. The program’s comprehensive curriculum, global perspective, and hands-on work experience prepare graduates for impactful careers in a wide array of sectors and organizations focused on global development, social justice, and sustainable change.
International Organizations and NGOs: Graduates of the MSc Global Development program with a work placement year are highly sought after by international organizations and NGOs that work on the ground in developing countries. These organizations focus on poverty reduction, health, education, gender equality, and human rights. Graduates can work in key roles such as project coordinators, policy advisors, monitoring and evaluation specialists, or research consultants. Organizations like the United Nations, Oxfam, Save the Children, and World Bank often hire graduates for positions in global development programs, where they can influence policies and contribute to international development goals.
Government and Public Sector: Many graduates pursue careers within government agencies or public sector organizations that focus on development policy, humanitarian aid, and economic growth. Graduates can work in ministries of foreign affairs, international development, or labor, where they contribute to the creation and implementation of development strategies at national or international levels. Potential roles include development policy analysts, public relations specialists, and program managers, working on policy reforms, aid distribution, and social development programs for governments or development agencies such as DFID (Department for International Development).
Social Impact and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): With businesses increasingly focusing on sustainability and ethical practices, graduates of the MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year are well-positioned to take on roles in CSR departments or in organizations that prioritize social impact. Graduates can work as CSR managers, sustainability consultants, or social impact analysts in both large multinational companies and smaller social enterprises. These positions involve developing and managing initiatives that address environmental sustainability, labor practices, and community development.
Research and Academia: For those who wish to pursue further academic endeavors, the program provides a solid foundation for doctoral research and an academic career. Graduates can undertake PhD studies in areas such as global development, policy analysis, or social change and contribute to the growing field of development studies. As researchers or lecturers, they can work in universities, think tanks, or research institutes, conducting research, publishing papers, and influencing academic and policy debates on global development issues.
Humanitarian Aid and Emergency Relief: The work placement year often involves engagement with humanitarian organizations, which opens doors for careers in the humanitarian aid sector. Graduates can work in roles such as emergency relief coordinators, logistics officers, or program managers for organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), or the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These positions involve responding to crisis situations, managing aid distribution, and ensuring the well-being of displaced populations.
Consulting and Policy Advisory Roles: Graduates of the MSc Global Development program with work placement experience can work as consultants for international development firms or governments. Consulting roles may include advising on social development programs, conducting impact assessments, or advising on sustainable development strategies. Graduates can join consulting firms like McKinsey & Company, PwC, or independent organizations focused on development, gender equality, or environmental issues.
Advocacy and Human Rights Organizations: Many graduates are drawn to careers in advocacy and human rights, using their knowledge of global development and social justice to push for legislative and policy changes. Graduates can work for organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, or the International Labour Organization (ILO), advocating for workers' rights, refugees, and marginalized communities. Potential job roles include campaign manager, human rights advocate, or policy researcher, helping to create and implement strategies that promote human rights across the globe.
Social Enterprises and Impact Investing: Graduates with an entrepreneurial mindset may be attracted to the social enterprise sector or impact investing. These sectors focus on creating positive social and environmental change while generating financial returns. Graduates can work as social entrepreneurs, business development managers, or impact investors, supporting organizations that create sustainable business models that address social challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality.
Media, Communications, and Journalism: Graduates with an interest in media and communication can pursue careers in development journalism, writing or reporting on global issues related to poverty, human rights, and social justice. Roles may include being a journalist, communications officer, or public relations specialist within media outlets, NGOs, or development organizations. Graduates contribute to raising awareness on critical development issues and shaping public opinion and policy through media platforms.
Environmental and Sustainability Organizations: Graduates with an interest in sustainability can pursue careers in environmental organizations, where they focus on issues like climate change, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Organizations like Greenpeace, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and 350.org offer positions that address the intersection of development, labor rights, and environmental sustainability. Graduates may take roles such as sustainability managers, climate policy analysts, or environmental campaigners.
