Joint PhD in global development launches with BRAC University, Bangladesh
SOAS University of London and BRAC University in Dhaka, Bangladesh have jointly announced the launch of an innovative collaborative PhD programme, aimed at nurturing a new generation of scholars dedicated to transformative global development.
The new equitable partnership builds on a long-established relationship between SOAS and BRAC University and will offer a joint PhD in the Political Economy of Development, delivered by SOAS’s Department of Economics and Department of Development Studies, and BRAC University’s Institute of Governance and Development.
This joint PhD will explore critical themes such as sustainable governance, social development, and inclusive economic growth. It uniquely blends SOAS's global academic perspectives with BRAC University's established expertise in practical, field-based research in Bangladesh and connections in other parts of Asia and Africa.
This marks SOAS’s first partnership at doctoral level with a private university in Bangladesh. Since preparations began in the summer of 2023, the two institutions have worked closely to establish a robust international quality assurance framework.
This pioneering initiative will enhance accessibility for students from the region, particularly in Bangladesh, and support the growth of PhD enrolments.
Our new collaboration embodies a shared vision to remove barriers to research-led scholarship and support sustainable and inclusive approaches to global development.
Designed with flexibility and inclusivity in mind, the programme will be jointly taught and supervised by academics at SOAS and BRAC University. Students will also be able to engage in fieldwork using the extensive BRAC facilities across Bangladesh. Students can also choose to be based either in London or Dhaka, at BRAC University, based on their individual needs and research objectives.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Honourable Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of the interim government of Bangladesh, said: “It’s a wonderful initiative. I am very happy to see this academic collaboration between two distinguished Bangladesh and British institutions - SOAS and BRAC University - get off the ground and wish it a grand success.”
Professor Adam Habib, SOAS Vice-Chancellor, said: "Our new collaboration embodies a shared vision to remove barriers to research-led scholarship and support sustainable and inclusive approaches to global development. Together with BRAC University we look forward to using this joint programme to create an environment that is conducive to addressing our most urgent collective global challenges.”
Ms Tamara Abed, Chairperson of BRAC University's Board of Trustees, said: "This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to promote equitable development through evidence-based research. It provides an unparalleled opportunity for Bangladeshi and international students to deeply engage with critical development challenges and contribute to shaping global policy.”
The official launch ceremony occurred simultaneously at SOAS in London and at BRAC University's main campus in Merul Badda, Dhaka, on 16 June 2025. Professor Habib and Ms Abed formally signed the agreement in London, while Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Vice-Chancellor of BRAC University, led the celebratory event in Dhaka.
Professor Syed Muhammed Abul Faiz, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Bangladesh, attended the ceremony in Dhaka with Her Excellency Sarah Cooke, the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh with representatives of the Education Ministry and the British Council. Her Excellency Abida Islam, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK attended the ceremony in London as an honorary guest.
