Course overview
Study our on-campus MPhil/PhD in International Development Studies at SOAS to realise your potential to define and solve pressing global forces and transform the world with your research impact.
As a PhD researcher, you’ll join our 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.
Students may follow the PhD pathway in International Development by being based at either SOAS, LSHTM or IoE. All PhD students on the International Development pathway will attend an advanced research training seminar run by LIDC.
The series will provide students in the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre's International Development Pathway with a broad understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to development, and a detailed understanding of selected areas of interest.
All MPhil/PhD in International Development research students will participate in the compulsory course work and attend research student seminars in the college and department where they are registered for the MPhil/PhD. At SOAS the Economics and Development Studies departments hold seminar series and students will be expected to involve themselves in the work of the relevant research clusters.
Admissions process
There are three admissions routes to the MPhil and PhD in International Development:
- The 1+3 structure: Following successful completion of the MSc Research for International Development at SOAS. ESRC 1+3 studentships are available to fund this route.
- The +3 structure: By direct applications for MPhil/PhD in International Development admission . ESRC 1+3 studentships are available to fund route.
- The 4 structure: not currently available at SOAS.
Why study MPhil/PhD in International Development at SOAS?
- We are ranked second in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- We are ranked 27th in UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- We are top 40 in the UK for Economics (Complete University Guide 2023)
- This is an on-campus programme, as such you will receive the benefit of learning and working in close proximity with the Department's expert scholars and researchers
- Our 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
Identifying a supervisor
Potential applicants are advised to personally discuss their (draft) research proposal with (a) potential supervisor(s) (see departmental staff list) and sound their willingness to supervise. This significantly increases the chance of a successful admission application.
Support for preparing and submitting an application
In order to help you in preparing and submitting an application for the MPhil/PhD in international Development at SOAS, we have prepared some information documents with further advice and information.
- Undertaking a PhD in the Department of Development Studies (PDF, 146KB) at SOAS
- Information and advice on the application process (PDF, 138KB)
- Answers to questions we're asked about applying for a PhD in our department (PDF, 139KB)
