Reader in Labour, Social Movements and Development
Department of Development Studies
MSc Global Development
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Key information
Key information
- Start date
- Duration
- 1 year
- Attendance mode
- Full-time or part-time
- Location
- On campus
- Fees
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Home: £12,220
International: £25,320 - Course code
- M9S3
- Entry requirements
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We will consider all applications with 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher.
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Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.0
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Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno
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Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%
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Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)
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Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5
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Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67
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Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR 4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0
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Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor: 60% or 12/20
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Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution. Minimum of 4 year
Equivalent to 2:ii: 67%
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Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana
Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2
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Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%
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Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0
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Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0
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Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0
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Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
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Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+
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Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%
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Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7
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China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)
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Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0
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Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0
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Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0
Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic
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Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13
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Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 6.5/10
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Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7
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Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0
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Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C
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Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0
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Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0
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France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
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Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%
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Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good
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Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0
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Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)
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Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours
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Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10
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India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0
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Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
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Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20
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Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good
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Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II
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Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%
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Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110
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Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% / Good/ B or 2.7/ 4.0
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Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%
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Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0
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Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0
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Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0
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Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0
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Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10
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Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20
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Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0
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Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0
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Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2
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Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0
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Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0 or B- (Class 2 Division 2)
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Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%
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Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB
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Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10
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Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20
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Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0
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Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0
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Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0
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New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons
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Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C
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Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0
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Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%
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Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0
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Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B
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Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude
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Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0
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Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20
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Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0
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Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10
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Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0
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Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20
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Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%
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Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good
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Sierra Leone: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0
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Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0
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Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C
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Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10
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Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific
Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0
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Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry
Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A
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South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%
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South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5
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Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0
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Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0
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St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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St Vincent and thr Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons
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Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B
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Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)
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Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5
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Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university
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Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0
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Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0
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Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0
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Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI
Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons
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Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20
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Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0. All others: 2.8/4.0
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Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B
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Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5
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United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+
Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates
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United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0
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Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0
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Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0
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Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0
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Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution
Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)
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In addition to degree classification 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
The MSc Global Development programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.
Development Studies is a dynamic field concerned with processes of change in the South —social and economic, political and cultural — and the major policy challenges they present to efforts to overcome poverty and insecurity.
Highlights
- The meanings of development and the challenges it faces.
- Neoliberalism and its critiques.
- Industrialisation, labour and capital.
- State failure, poverty and insecurity.
- Gender, race and class analysis.
- NGOs, civil society and social movements.
- Development organisations and development practice.
- Globalisation, commodity chains and trade.
- Agrarian change, peasantry and land.
Why study MSc Global Development at SOAS?
- SOAS is ranked 3rd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2024)
- There is also the opportunity to take virtual work placements. This year MSc students taking the International Development Placement module were offered placements at the Overseas Development Institute, ISEAL, and MSF. (Numbers in this module are capped to 75 students due to limited availability)
- The programme’s emphasis on transferable analytical skills has been of great benefit to the many graduates who have returned to, or taken up, professional careers in development in international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations
Pathways
Gender
MSc Global Development applicants apply for MSc Global Development but can decide to exit the degree on the Gender Pathway by choosing the combination of modules required. This information will be shared with students during the enrolment process.
Students taking the Gender Pathway will develop a specialist understanding of Development Studies in the context of Gender. SOAS's recognised strengths in this area, including the establishment of the SOAS Centre for Gender Studies, makes this a unique and exciting opportunity for those interested in development and gender.
Labour and Activism
MSc Global Development applicants apply for MSc Global Development but can decide to exit the degree on the Labour and Activism Pathway by choosing the combination of modules required. This information will be shared with students during the enrolment process.
On this pathway, students are encouraged to examine critically the relationship between labour, capitalism, development and poverty. We investigate labour in the contemporary social and economic development of the Global South as well as established and emerging social movements of labour in local, national and international spaces. You will learn to identify and evaluate the relationship between collective agency, policy and vice-versa.
Structure
Students must take 180 credits per year comprised of 120 taught credits (including core, compulsory and optional modules) and a 60 credit dissertation.
Open modules: Students can choose up to 30 credits from other Departments as open options.
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 taught 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 module
Compulsory modules
Guided modules
Teaching and learning
Our teaching and learning approach is designed to support and encourage students in their own process of self-learning, and to develop their own ideas, responses and critique of international development practice and policy.
We do this through a mixture of lectures, and more student-centred learning approaches (including tutorials and seminars). Teaching combines innovative use of audio-visual materials, practical exercises, group discussions, and weekly guided reading and discussions, as well as conventional lecturing.
In addition to the taught part of the masters programme, all students will write a 10,000 word dissertation. Students develop their research topic under the guidance and supervision of an academic member of the Department. Students are encouraged to explore a particular body of theory or an academic debate relevant to their programme through a focus on a particular region.
Contact hours
All Masters programmes consist of 180 credits, made up of taught modules of 30 or 15 credits, taught over 10 or 20 weeks, and a dissertation of 60 credits. The programme structure shows which modules are compulsory and which optional.
As a rough guide, 1 credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Most of this will be independent study, including reading and research, preparing coursework, revising for examinations and so on. It will also include class time, which may include lectures, seminars and other classes. Some subjects, such as learning a language, have more class time than others. At SOAS, most postgraduate modules have a one hour lecture and a one hour seminar every week, but this does vary.
SOAS Library
SOAS Library is one of the world's most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, attracting scholars from all over the world. The Library houses over 1.2 million volumes, together with significant archival holdings, special collections and a growing network of electronic resources.
Pre-entry reading
If you would like some preparatory reading (although this is not necessary), a good starting point is to keep an eye out for the many development related blogs by academics, activists and institutions.
In addition, good book options include:
- Veltmeyer, H. and Bowles, P. 2022. The Essential Guide to Critical Development Studies. Routledge.
- Sen, Amartya (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press, and Amartya Sen on Development
- Rosling, H., O. Rosling, A. Rönnlund. 2018. Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think. Sceptre.
- Harrison, G. 2020. Developmentalism. The Normative and Transformative within Capitalism. Oxford University Press.
- Patnaik, U. and P. 2016. A Theory of Imperialism. Columbia University Press.
- Cantillon, S., O. Mackett, S. Stevano. 2022. Feminist Political Economy. Agenda Publishing.
- Wilson, K., 2012. Race, Racism and Development: Interrogating History, Discourse and Practice. Zed Books
- Jason Hickel, The Death of International Development
Scholarships
Employment
A degree from the Department of Development Studies at SOAS will further develop your understanding of the world and how society is organised, with specific focus on violence and conflict, the role of aid, refugees and forced migration. Graduates leave with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical skills and cultural awareness.
Recent graduates have been hired by:
- Amnesty International
- BBC World Service
- British Embassy Brussels
- Department for International Development
- Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)
- Embassy of Japan
- Government of Pakistan
- Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office
- International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- International Labour Organization (ILO)
- KPMG LLP
- Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Overseas Development Institute
- Oxfam
- Royal Norwegian Embassy
- Save the Children UK
- The World Bank
- Thinking Beyond Borders
- US Department of State
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees
- WaterAid
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