Department of Development Studies
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About
About the Department of Development Studies
The Department of Development Studies at SOAS offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree programmes examining the causes of and responses to poverty, inequality and social, political and economic change around the world.
Drawing on political economy, anthropology, politics and history, our programmes help students understand development in diverse social, political and economic contexts around the world.
SOAS is a world-leader in the subject, ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies and 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation in Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026). Our academics combine internationally recognised research with deep regional expertise across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, creating a uniquely global learning environment.
What is Development Studies?
Development Studies examines how societies change and why development outcomes differ across countries, communities and regions.
At SOAS, students examine these questions through multiple disciplinary perspectives while engaging with ideas, experiences and debates from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East that are often overlooked in mainstream approaches.
Top-ranked for Development Studies
2nd in the world for Development Studies
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
2nd in the world for Academic Reputation
The Department of Development Studies is 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Joint 1st in UK for International Faculty
QS World University Rankings 2027
Development Studies is a live and evolving discipline, and our students and staff are challenged to refine our theoretical and practical understanding of why change happens, how power is exercised and in what ways inequalities can be explained and confronted.
Meet the academics
Learn about the academic staff who work at and support the department.
Tackling the World's biggest challenges
At SOAS we aim is to tackle the World's biggest challenges through academic collaboration and cooperation. In our latest series, we bring together academics and analysts from different disciplines to discuss topics from climate change to human rights.
Why study at the Department of Development Studies?
World-leading expertise for Development Studies
Ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies, SOAS is renowned for its expertise on Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Students learn from internationally recognised academics whose research shapes debates on development, inequality, migration, governance and sustainability.
Learn in central London
Study close to international NGOs, development agencies and think tanks, with opportunities for placements, internships and career events across the development and humanitarian sectors.
Strong research impact and community
Our combined Anthropology and Development Studies submission was ranked 4th in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, with research that engages directly with pressing political and social issues. The department is home to a vibrant community of PhD researchers working across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, alongside specialist research centres and clusters, including the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy.
Exceptional academic resources
Students have access to more than 3.3 million books, journals, archives and specialist resources through the SOAS Library, as well as a free membership to Senate House Library, supporting research across development, politics, anthropology and history.
Research
Recent past events
What will you study at the department?
Learning from academics whose research contributes to international debates on migration, humanitarianism, governance and global development, students engage with some of the most pressing global challenges and debates, including:
- climate justice, environmental governance and sustainable futures
- migration, displacement and refugee experiences
- conflict, peacebuilding and humanitarian response
- labour, livelihoods, inequality and social change
- aid, governance and the role of global institutions
Students can also gain practical experience through development placements, with recent opportunities including NGO work with Accountability Lab Nepal. Eligible students can also combine Global Development with language study and, on selected degree programmes, spend a year abroad.
Where do our graduates work?
Graduates from the Department of Development Studies establish careers in international organisations, governments, NGOs, consultancy and research. Alumni have progressed to roles including Director of Verdae Consulting and Climate Change Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank.
Others have gone on to work at organisations such as the FCDO, UNDP and the World Food Programme. Graduates leave with strong analytical, critical thinking and cross-cultural skills, applying interdisciplinary expertise to challenges including poverty, migration, climate change, conflict and social transformation worldwide.
