205 Development Studies Degree Programs

Improve the human condition in vulnerable communities. Many communities around the world have been left behind — as evidenced by disparities in per capita earnings, health and life expectancy, political and human rights, personal security, and other measures of the human condition. This program emphasizes economic growth that is both environmentally sound and socially inclusive.

Are you interested in processes, identifying relationships and interdependence between humans and the natural environment, or curious about studies from an African perspective? Are you fascinated in researching and exploring practical ways of improving human conditions? If so, then in-depth knowledge can be gained from these courses that prepare students to apply principles related to environmental sciences, development and African studies. Join the Semester Study Abroad Programme today! Choose from a variety of bachelor and master’s courses, across a wide range of disciplines for international credit transfer.

How do bottom-up initiatives of people striving for racial justice, political change or climate change awareness arise and evolve? This Anthropology and Development Master's expands your knowledge and research skills. Let’s contribute to society!

With this Development Studies MA you will be encouraged to reflect directly on how questions of social justice should be connected to the theory and practice of development, and about race, class, gender and other identities. You’ll use this concept of social justice to investigate the legitimacy of power relations that shape social, political, and economic inequalities between different regions, states, groups and individuals.

The Master of Cultural Anthropology and Development Studies (CADES) is a unique and international advanced Master programme that provides a broad interdisciplinary platform to address development issues and social transformations from an anthropological perspective. The programme brings together students and professionals from all over the world who are involved or interested in social, educational, emancipatory or policy work in the development, or, more broadly, the social sector.

This course focuses on social issues with an international dimension such as humanitarian aid, forced migration, human rights, social justice and social enterprise. In addition to gaining theoretical knowledge, you develop practical skills – such as advocacy and intercultural competence – so you can work effectively with communities and individuals from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, in the UK and abroad. The course also exposes you to innovative approaches to enhancing and decolonising international social welfare and development, with case studies from across the globe.

The Doctoral study program comprises a thesis written under supervision that makes an original contribution to the field of Development Studies on a topic selected in consultation with the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies. A Doctoral defense (of the proposal and the thesis) is required in accordance with the regulations of the Faculty of Humanities. An article ready for publication on the thesis content is also required.

The PhD in Development Studies by Research is IDS’s advanced research degree. It is awarded to candidates after a minimum of three years study, based on completion of original and significant research in the field of Development Studies – which is assessed through a written thesis.

Global and Development Studies (GLAD) is an interdisciplinary program, which aims to equip students with a fundamental understanding of processes of globalization in various spheres of human activity: law, politics, economy, history, social relations, culture, and communication. Students gain core knowledge of the very phenomena of globalization and international development as well as specialize in their various aspects and influence they have on the contemporary world. The program is structured in such a way that it allows students to focus either on a selected part of the world, or specific global problems and challenges.

With the global demand for development specialists, the International Politics and Development Studies program, being one of the rare BA level programs of its kind in Europe (and practically sole in Eastern Europe) is unique in that it, in addition to providing classical Political Science education, lays fundamentals of development and international relations theories and practice, all this with a focus on one of the developing regions.

The International Development Studies program grounds international development practitioners in the theories, policies, and skills necessary for operating at the forefront of the field. The curriculum leverages a combination of field-based research, studies in cultural contexts and ethics, and innovative practices to develop your marketable skills and experience.

Confront the challenges of achieving just and sustainable development outcomes. Address issues in development policy and debate with experts in anthropology, international relations, political economy, linguistics, public health, human geography, economics and sociology. Benefit from workshops, seminars and conferences in a research-driven environment and industry connections.

Study our on-campus MPhil/PhD in Development Studies at SOAS to realise your potential to tackle global injustice and transform the world with your research impact. 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.

Approaching "regional development" both domestically and internationally Approaching "regional development" with a global perspective and concrete actions as a philosophy. The Department of International and Regional Studies is a department that approaches problem-solving from a local (community) perspective, based on the philosophy of interdisciplinary knowledge, global perspective, and concrete action. Based on the perspective of a global citizen and specialized knowledge in various areas related to local communities, based on the philosophy of interdisciplinary knowledge, global perspective, and concrete action, we will work on "regional development" both domestically and internationally, and cultivate, and cultivate the skills necessary to contribute to regional development.

The MA in Development and Human Rights blends modern insights from the fields of development studies, politics, political theory and international law.

This is an advanced program of study designed to impart knowledge and produce original research in the field of Development, in line with the best European universities. With the creation of this Ph.D., the intention is to look at the changes which have taken place over recent decades and which have led to this scientific area becoming the focus of contemporary debate, as much in economic, social and environmental policy as in academia.

The programme studies conflict and peace, peacebuilding, substainable development, socio-economic relationships, human rights and security.