SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Structure

For students entering in September 2008 or thereafter. For earlier entries please consult your undergraduate handbook. 

Students take 4 units per year, completing a total of 12 units in 3 years. They have some flexibility in constructing their own programme of study. 
 
Year 1: Students take 3 introductory units in economic theory, quantitative techniques and economic development along with 1 ‘open option’ (i.e. a course in a subject or language other than those named in the student’s chosen degree title). 

Year 2: Students take 2 core units in development economics and economics theory and  a compulsory unit of quantitative methods (if not taken in year 1). They also choose 1 or 2 optional courses from available options.

Year 3:  Students, take one core course in development economics  and 3 further options with at least 2 courses focusing on a region in Africa and Asia. An open option may be taken.

Students may take regional courses relating to no more than two regions in their final year.
Final year students may not choose ANY first year courses as an open option.

Single-subject degree: BSc Development Economics

Year 1

Courses in this year are common to both BSc Economics and BSc Development Economics. Students take 1 introductory core course, and 2 compulsory introductory courses, along with 1 ‘open option’.

The core unit:
153400003 Introduction to Economic Analysis (core and compulsory)

Depending on mathematics background EITHER

For those without A-level mathematics or equivalent:

153400120 Introduction to Quantitative Methods for Economists (for those without A level mathematics or equivalent) (core and compulsory)

OR

For those with A level mathematics or equivalent:

153400121 Quantitative methods for economists (for those with A level mathematics grade A or B or equivalent) (compulsory)

AND FOR ALL STUDENTS:

One or two compulsory units:
153400003  Introduction to Economic Analysis
153400102 Comparative Growth in Asia and Africa

One open option from another department at SOAS. Please contact the relevant departments for information about available courses.

Year 2

Students take 2 core units 1 focusing on developing countries and 1 unit in economic analysis. In addition 2 optional units focusing on methods of analysis and concepts. Some students may prefer to take 1 optional course and 1 ‘open option’.

Two core units:
153400032 Economics of Developing Countries I (core and compulsory)

153400107 Intermediate Economic Analysis (core and compulsory)

One compulsory unit if not already taken in year 1: 

153400121 Quantitative methods for economists

AND

At least one of the following:
153400103 Econometrics
153400100 Banking and Finance in Economic Development
153400106 Foreign Trade and Development

An open option may be taken. Please contact the relevant department for details.

Year 3

Students take 1 compulsory course on developing economies, and at least 2 optional units focusing on particular regions of Africa and Asia. As in Year 2, students may choose to take a ‘open option’ instead of an optional course.

One compulsory unit:
153400109 Economics of Developing Countries II (compulsory)

At least two of the following:

153400103 Econometrics
153400108 Advanced Economic Analysis
153400119 Applied Econometrics
153400101 Economic Development of Africa 
153400011 Economic Development of South Asia
153400012 Economic Development of South East Asia
153400025 Economic Development of Modern China
153400031 Economic Development of the Modern Middle East
153400114 Independent Study Projects in Economics

153400013 Economic Development of Japan since 1868

Final year students may not choose ANY first year courses as an open option.

Programme Specification

• Programme Specification 2012/2013 (pdf; 125kb)

Destinations

An undergraduate degree in Development Economics from SOAS gives students a solid grounding in analytical thinking, statistical and computing skills and knowledge of economic principles and their application to concrete situations. Skills gained from a Development Economics BSc include analytical skills, the ability to think laterally and employ critical reasoning, and knowing how to present materials and ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

The economics programmes at SOAS are designed to teach students sufficient economics either to obtain employment as professional economists or to go on to postgraduate work in any branch of economics. Graduates from the Department have pursued a variety of successful careers, often with Asian or African links, in international organisations, business and industry, banking, accountancy, journalism, consultancy, teaching and higher education. Many have gone on to read for postgraduate degrees either in the Department’s own thriving masters’ and research degree programmes or elsewhere.

Graduates have gone on to work for a range of organisations including:

For more information about Graduate Destinations from this department, please visit the Careers Service website.

How to apply

How to apply

• How to Apply
• UCAS website
• Funding options
• English language requirements
• Tuition Fees
• Admissions Contacts

Scholarships

For further information visit the Scholarships section