Centre Director and Programme Convenor
Department of Development Studies,
Centre for Development, Environment and Policy
& Centre for Water and Development
MSc Climate Change and Development
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 2 years
- Start of programme
- October 2024 / April 2025
- Attendance mode
- Part-time
- Location
- Distance Learning
- Fees
-
MSc: £10,270*
PGDip: £8,200*
PGCert: £4,100*- *Fees are set to increase for the September/October 2025 sessions.
The MSc will increase to £12,000. Each module will cost £2,000.
- *Fees are set to increase for the September/October 2025 sessions.
- Course code
- OLTF0001
- Entry requirements
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We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.
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Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 80% or 3.3/4.0
-
Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo / Grado de Licenciado
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
-
Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or Credit or 65%
-
Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)
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Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or GPA 3.0/4.0
-
Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor’s from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology or Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or GPA 3.0/4.0
-
Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat or Licencié
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20 or 65%
-
Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (5-year) or Master's from University of Botswana
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.5/5.0 or 65% or B- or Good
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Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de Licenciado (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 70%
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Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Honours with 50% overall
-
Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.3/6
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Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12-13 assez bien (fair); 70-74; or B+
-
Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or 74-77% or overall B
-
China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii:
73% or 2.6/4.0 (C9 unis)
75% or 2.8/4.0 (Double First unis)
80% or 3.25/4.0 (all other unis) -
Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado / Titulo (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
-
Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor degree)
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall score 3/5
-
Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5/10
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Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 1.75/4.0 or High C 'dobre’ (good)
Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic
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Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/12 or 8/13 or grade C
-
Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0/4.0
-
Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad / University Specialist's Diploma / Professional Higher Education Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/5.0
-
Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor / Kandidaatti / Kandidat (180 ECTS credits)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3/5 or 2/3
-
France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence or Diplôme from a grande école
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11.5 out 20
-
Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree (2-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.3 or 64% or B
-
Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (180 ECTS)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/5
-
Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Second Class Lower Division) or GPA 3.25/5.0 or 60%
-
Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.50/10
-
Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Upper second class or GPA 2.7/4.0 or 75% or B Minus
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Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
-
Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.0 out of 10
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India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA: 55-60% or 5.5/10 - 6.0/10
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Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (Licence/Karshani)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 0.7
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Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C+
-
Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 100/110
-
Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C+ or 3.0
-
Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or 70%
-
Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or GPA 4.0/5.0 or B
-
Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 60%
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Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/
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Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
-
Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree / Licence
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or Grade B-/C+ or GPA 2.8/4.0 or 14/20
-
Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0
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Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Degree from selected institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or GPA 3.0/4.0
-
Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors / Bakalauro (180 ECTS)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10
-
Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or GPA 3.0/4.0
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Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0 or B (Class 2 Division 2)
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Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class with 65% or Category IIB
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Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado
Equivalent to 2:ii: 8/10 or 80%
-
Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence / Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor degree (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%
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Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5/10 or GPA 3.0
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New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Majority of credited modules B- or above
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Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class or 55% or GPA 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0 or 4.0/7.0
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Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors / Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus /a magisterii
Equivalent to 2:ii: Grade C (with at least 80 ECTS) at grade B or 3.2
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Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/4.0
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Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year) / Master's from HEC recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 65%
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Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence / Bachelor from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence
Equivalent to 2:ii:
Prestigous Universities: GPA 3.3/4.0 or 1.75/5.0 or Grade B or 83%
Recognised Universities: GPA 3.5/4.0 or 2.0/5.0 or Grade B or 87% -
Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier (3-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.25/5
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Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado (180 ECTS)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 15/20
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Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or 70% or 7/10
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Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă / Diplomă de Inginer / Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat
Equivalent to 2:ii: 8/10
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Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0
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Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Honours or 65-69% or 14/20
-
Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 or overall 70%
-
Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: CAP 3.5/5.0 or 3.0/4.0
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Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalár / Bachelor
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.0 overall or C
-
South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%
-
South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0 or 3.0/4.3 or 3.3/4.5
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Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5/10 or GPA 1.75/4.0
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Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or GPA 3.0/4.0
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Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor (5-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or B
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Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree / Kandidatexamen / Yrkesexamen
Equivalent to 2:ii: B (90 credits) and C (90 credits) or Very Good (70 credits) and Good (110 Credits) or C (180 credits)
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Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom / Diplôme / Lizentiat / Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d’Etat
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall 4.5/6 or 7/10 or 2.5/5
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Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence / al-ijaza-fi / Bachelor
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%+ or 'Good'
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Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 68-70% or GPA 2.8/4.0-3.0/4.0
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Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0
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Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur / Diplôme National d'Architecture / Licence / Maîtrise
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 out of 20
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Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4 from the top universities and 3.0/4 from all others
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Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or B or GPA 3.0/5.0
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Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 8/12 or 3.8/5
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United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/5.0
Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates
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United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 3.0/4.0
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Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year)
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall score of 6.5/10
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Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall 'Good' (71-77%) or Aden University 80-83% (or 3.0/4.0)
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Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or B or Credit or GPA 1.7/2.5 or 3.3/5.0
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Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 65%
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In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.
See international entry requirements and English language requirements
Course overview
Our MSc (or PGDip/PGCert) in Climate Change and Development provides you with the knowledge and solutions to simultaneously tackle the climate change crisis, meet Sustainable Development Goals and improve the lives of people all over the world.
Designed for those working on, or hoping to work on, climate change and development issues, this programme helps you develop the analytical skills needed to solve adaptation problems and identify low carbon development options. The programme also offers critical insight into how current development models produce environmental problems like climate change, which themselves threaten the objectives of development.
Why study MSc Climate Change and Development at SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2022)
- We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from those working in sustainable development looking to further their skills and understanding of climate change. We also encourage applications from those with a strong first degree but without relevant work experience, who can demonstrate a strong interest in climate change and development issues.
Contact
Structure
Climate Change and Development is available as a Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).
The programme is organised in two study sessions per year, beginning in April and October. In each study session students complete one module, starting with the core module, over a period of a 16 weeks followed by one of 4 dissertation stages for MSc students.
MSc students are required to enrol for their dissertation at the same time as their modules, before the start of each session. Students will need to allocate at least 10-15 hours of study per module, per week.
Three programme structures: MSc, PGDip and PGCert
Please note that programmes must be completed within the registration period.
MSc
- Four modules, comprising one core (30 credits), at three elective modules (30 credits each) from the list below (only one elective is permitted from outside CeDEP).
- MSc students will also be required to complete a dissertation (60 credits). In a typical 2-year MSc programme, the dissertation is completed in four 8-week stages following each delivered module.
- For students aiming to complete the MSc over three years, there will be two study sessions when you will not need to study a module. You may choose not to study at all during these sessions due to other commitments. Alternatively, you may want to use this time to undertake preparation for your dissertation.
PGDip
- Four modules, as per the requirements for MSc students, but will not be required to complete a dissertation (thereby gaining 120 credits in total).
PGCert
- One core module and one elective module from List A.
Modules
Modules from other departments: Only students on MSc and PGDip programmes may take one module from other departments as listed below.
| Module type | Module name | Apr 2024 | Oct 2024 | Apr 2025 | Oct 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core | Climate Change and Development (30 credits) | * | * | * | * |
List A (choose 1-2 modules) | Climate Change Adaptation (30 credits) | * | * | ||
| Low Carbon Development (30 credits) | * | * | |||
List B (choose 0-2 modules)
| Food Security and Social Protection (30 credits) | * | * | ||
| Urban Sustainability (30 credits) | * | * | |||
| Water and Land Management for Sustainable Development (30 credits) | * | * | |||
| Global Environmental Change and Sustainability (30 credits) | * | * | |||
| Understanding Poverty (30 credits) | * | * | |||
| Biodiversity, Conservation and Development (30 credits) | * | * | |||
| List C | Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development (offered through Development Studies) | * | * | ||
| The Politics of Gender and Feminisms in Development (offered through Development Studies) | * | * | |||
| Dissertation | Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 1) | * | * | * | * |
| Dissertation | Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 2) | * | * | * | * |
| Dissertation | Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 3) | * | * | * | * |
| Dissertation | Dissertation Climate Change & Development (Stage 4) | * | * | * | * |
Registration period
Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc Students are registered for a maximum of 3-years. If a student upgrades from a PG Certificate to PG Diploma or PG Diploma to MSc the 3-year registration period will apply from the date the students commences study on the first programmes.
Successful requests to upgrade will be made in the first year of study and must meet specific criteria.
Important notice
The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously delivered as part of these programmes.
However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Core
Compulsory Dissertation
MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List C Other ODL Departments
A maximum of 30 credits to be taken from MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List C Other ODL Departments
MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List A
Minimum 30 and maximum 60 credits to be taken from Guided Options List A
MSc Climate Change and Development (ODL) Guided Options List B- Home Department
Minimum 30 credits and maximum 60 credits taken from Guided Options List B- Home Department
Teaching and learning
Students are supported by a dedicated module tutor and convenor with whom students can discuss academic queries at regular intervals during each study session. This programme is delivered 100% online through Moodle which provides access to all learning materials and course resources as well as access to the SOAS Library.
Learning is asynchronous allowing students to fit their studies around existing commitments. Students are able to interact with their module tutor and fellow students in discussion forums, peer-to-peer learning and engagement guided by the tutor. Assessments are designed to build knowledge and skills over the course of study.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of formative and summative assessment. The variety of assessments on our modules aims to develop a range of critical, analytical and writing skills. All assessments are submitted online.
Research methods and dissertation (MSc students only)
The dissertation involves desk-based and/or field-based research. In year one, students will learn how to conduct original research by completing the research methods module. In year two, students will complete data collection, write up and submit the final dissertation.
The dissertation is assessed through two components: the assessed proposal (20% of the final module mark); and a 10,000 word dissertation (80% of the final module mark).
Scholarships
| Title | Deadline date |
|---|---|
| DS-CeDEP Online Distance Learning bursary |
Fees and funding
| Programme level | MSc | PGDip | PGCert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | £10,270* | £8,200 | £4,100 |
You will make one payment of £2,054 for each delivered module. For MSc students, the dissertation module is an additional £2,054, with payment split across four stages.
*Fees are set to increase to £12,000 for the September 2025 sessions onwards.
See online and distance learning fees for further information.
Pay as you learn
Our distance learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you only pay for the module you are enrolling on.
Postgraduate loans
If you have been a resident in England for 3 years you may be eligible. See postgraduate funding and finance for more information.
Look through the available postgraduate scholarships.
Alternatively, we also recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding
Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include:
- United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc)
- Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc)
- European Union
- British Council
- UK Department for International Development / Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- NGOs
- Educational and other charitable trusts
Application
To make an application, or to find out more about our admissions procedure, please visit how to apply (ODL)
Employment
Graduates from the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy (CeDEP) leave SOAS with in-depth knowledge about the environment and sustainability challenges facing the world today. Recent graduates have been hired by:
- African Development Bank Group
- BP
- Civic Exchange, Hong Kong
- Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
- Energy Networks Association
- Energy UK
- Ernst & Young LLP
- ESB
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Plan UK
- Public Policy Projects
- UN Environment Programme
Find out about our Careers Service.
