research for international development soas

MSc Research for International Development

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MSc - Master of Science

SOAS, University of London

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The MSc Research for International Development is a newly established interdisciplinary Taught Masters programme at SOAS, offered jointly by the departments of Economics and Development Studies. This cutting-edge degree is funded and supported by the UK’s ESRC (The Economic and Social Research Council) as part of the Bloomsbury Doctoral Training Centre.

The programme’s equips students with the theoretical background and analytical skills to inquire into the relationship between theory, research methods and politics in international development. It provides students with knowledge about the plurality of methodological approaches in key areas of international development research, and the policy choices and strategies associated with these. The module offers students the opportunity to engage with a selection of methods used in international development research.

Who is this programme for?:

The degree has been developed to meet the needs of both development practitioners and researchers on international development, including those wishing to pursue an MPhil/PhD in International Development. The programme will suit students with a variety of backgrounds in social sciences, including politics, sociology, economics, and so on. It would also meet the needs of people working, or hoping to work in international agencies, humanitarian organisations, and NGOs. Students with a strong interest in research and research methods will thrive on the MSc distinctive focus on training in research methods.

Teaching & 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.

As you graduate from the MSc in Research for International Development, you will have an in-depth understanding of the main debates in international development, and, in particular, of the various methodological approaches underpinning different positions in these debates. You will have acquired foundations for the practice of quantitative and qualitative research methods in the social sciences. You will also acquire more generic skills, including how to organize and present your ideas, both in written form and in different presentational formats (including, for instance, Pecha Kucha style presentations, short project pitching, and more standard academic presentations summing up main contributions in a debate).

With a broad range of skills, MSc RID graduates are highly competitive in the labour market upon graduation and embark on a wide range of career opportunities. These include, either the pursuit of doctoral studies, at SOAS or elsewhere, or jobs as policy advisers or researchers in international development, in the public, private sector or third sector.

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Module Options

We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.

Students living in

£12,220 per year

Students from Domestic

Fees go up each year, therefore, your tuition fee in your second & subsequent years of study will be higher. Our continuing students, on the same degree programme, are protected from annual increases higher than 5%.

£25,320 per year

Students from EU

Students from International

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International Development

Entry requirements.

We normally require a 2.1 bachelor's degree plus a Masters degree with a Merit classification in a Social Science plus one reference. In exceptional cases we may accept applicants who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience. International applicants should also see Doctoral School English language requirements Doctoral School English language requirements

Months of entry

Course content.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll join our renowned globally diverse research community with access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

Students may follow the PhD pathway in International Development by being based at either SOAS, LSHTM or IoE. All PhD students on the International Development pathway will attend an advanced research training seminar run by LIDC.

The series will provide students in the ESRC Doctoral Training Centre's International Development Pathway with a broad understanding of interdisciplinary approaches to development, and a detailed understanding of selected areas of interest.

All MPhil/PhD in International Development research students will participate in the compulsory course work and attend research student seminars in the college and department where they are registered for the MPhil/PhD. At SOAS the Economics and Development Studies departments hold seminar series and students will be expected to involve themselves in the work of the relevant research clusters.

Admissions process

There are three admissions routes to the MPhil and PhD in International Development:

• The 1+3 structure: Following successful completion of the MSc Research for International Development at SOAS. ESRC 1+3 studentships are available to fund this route.
• The +3 structure: By direct applications for MPhil/PhD in International Development admission . ESRC 1+3 studentships are available to fund route.
• The 4 structure: not currently available at SOAS.

Why study MPhil/PhD in International Development at SOAS?

We are ranked second in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2022).

We offer a range of exciting degree programmes on-campus and online, at BA, MSc and PhD levels. Our degrees are inter-disciplinary, combining political-economy, politics, anthropology, and history approaches to analyse processes of development in different contexts around the world. Students have the opportunity to take placements as part of their BA or MSc degrees, and we offer internships in the department and in partner organisations.

Our academic staff create an intellectually stimulating and challenging space across the many branches of international development and humanitarianism that make up Development Studies. All modules engage with questions of climate crisis, recognising its impact and interaction with processes of inequality and change.

Our staff specialise in a range of thematic areas including sustainability and climate change, migration and displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, labour, political ecology, and aid and institutions.

Combined with exceptional resources and our interdisciplinary approach, we offer a unique learning and research opportunity for our diverse and vibrant student community.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

Course contact details

Research for International Development MSc SOAS, University of London

• On campus - h SOAS University of London
• Sep 1, 2023 Part-time - 2 years
• Sep 1, 2023 Full-time - 1 years

Key Course Facts

Course description.

The MSc Research for International Development is a newly established interdisciplinary Taught Masters programme at SOAS, offered jointly by the departments of Economics and Development Studies. This cutting-edge degree is funded and supported by the UK’s ESRC (The Economic and Social Research Council) as part of the Bloomsbury Doctoral Training Centre.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Average student cost of living in london.

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

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SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) University of London is a research university dedicated to liberal arts subjects, with a particular focus on the continent of Africa, and the nations of Japan, Korea, and China. Their modern campus is located in the Bloomsbury area of London. Applicants can expect to find programmes and courses that take regions from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, and combine them with a particular area of academic interest. These might include, History, Economics, Politics, as well as Music and History of Art. This university offers a high degree of specialisation, ensuring that the teaching staff are able to deliver perspectives based on true expertise in their fields.

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Research for International Development, MSc

SOAS University of London , the United Kingdom

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Entry requirements

Fees, funding and scholarships at soas university of london.

Curious minds shouldn’t be hemmed in by financial barriers.

At SOAS we wish to support all students to fulfil their potential. That’s why we offer a range of scholarships, bursaries, and awards to support undergraduate students through their studies.

You can find more information on our scholarships, and how to apply on the SOAS website .

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MSc Development Studies

Soas university of london, different course options.

• Key information

Course Summary

Tuition fees, entry requirements, university information, similar courses at this uni, key information data source : idp connect, qualification type.

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Development Economics Development Politics

Course type

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. This programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students’ capacities for independent and critical analysis.

Highlights include:

• the meanings of development and the challenges it faces
• neoliberalism and its critiques
• industrialisation, labour and capital
• state failure, poverty and insecurity
• gender and class analysis
• NGOs, civil society and social movements
• globalisation, commodity chains and trade
• the agrarian question, peasantry and land

The MSc 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. Students also benefit from the wide range of modules on offer, both within the Department and across the School, allowing them to create individualised interdisciplinary programmes.

Who is this programme for?

The programme attracts applications from students with a variety of academic and experiential backgrounds. We welcome applications from those who have worked in a broad field of development, but also from students without relevant work experience who can demonstrate a strong interest in, and understanding of, development issues. A good first degree in a social science is preferred.

Teaching & 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.

A postgraduate degree from the Department of Development Studies at SOAS will further develop your understanding of the world, other peoples’ ways of life and how society is organised, with an emphasis on transferable analytical skill. These skills have been of great benefit to the many graduates who have taken up professional careers in development in international organisations, government agencies and non-government organisations. This, in addition to your detailed subject knowledge, will also equip you with a set of other specific skills, including: critical skills; the ability to research extensively; a high level of cultural awareness; and the ability to solve problems.

UK fees Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

International fees Course fees for EU and international students

We will consider all applications with 2:ii (or international equivalent) or higher. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application including supporting statement and references.

At SOAS University of London, postgraduate students are encouraged to challenge the status quo and think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Africa, Asia and the Near and Middle East. Postgraduate courses are taught by respected academics engaged in ground-breaking fieldwork and research. The work of researchers at SOAS influences both government policy and the lives of individuals... more

MSc Development Economics

Full time | 1 year | 23-SEP-24

MSc Research for International Development

Msc development studies (south asia), mphil in development economics.

Full time | 2 years | 23-SEP-24

PhD in Development Economics

Full time | 3 years | 23-SEP-24

The World Bank Demonstrates Depth of its Capital Markets Investor Base with Dual Tranche USD 6 Billion Sustainable Development Bond Transaction

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2024 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today priced two Sustainable Development Bonds, raising a total of USD 6 billion from a USD 3 billion 2-year bond maturing in April 2026 and a USD 3 billion 7-year bond maturing in April 2031.

The transactions attracted over 260 orders totaling more than USD 12.7 billion. The dual tranche format, with points on the short and longer end of the yield curve, drew a globally diverse and broad base of fixed income investors and their investment strategies.  As is common with World Bank benchmark transactions, leading investor groups included central banks and official institutions, including sub-national and municipal entities, as well private sector investors including bank treasuries, pension funds, insurance companies and asset managers.

HSBC Bank plc, J.P. Morgan Securities plc, Merrill Lynch International, Wells Fargo Securities, LLC are the lead managers for both transactions. The bonds will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

The 2-year tranche priced at a spread versus the reference US Treasury of +8.5 basis points, resulting in a semi-annual yield of 4.764%, and the 7-year tranche priced at a spread versus the reference US Treasury of +15.3 basis points, resulting in a semi-annual yield of 4.521%.   

“This dual tranche transaction mobilized over 260 investor orders, demonstrating the wide breadth and depth of support that we enjoy from capital markets investors” said Jorge Familiar Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank .  “ This globally diverse stakeholder group is very important to the World Bank by providing financial support for its efforts to end extreme poverty and boost prosperity on a livable planet.”

Investor Breakdown by Type

Investor Breakdown by Geography

Lead Manager Quotes

“Congratulations to the World Bank team, returning to the bond market with a dual-tranche transaction and printing an impressive USD 3 billion 2-year and USD 3 billion 7-year bond on the back of a combined orderbook over USD 12.7 billion. This high-quality investor support allowed for their largest issuance since April 2021 and the largest USD dual tranche to date,” said Adrien de Naurois, Head of EMEA IG Syndicate, BofA Securities / Merrill Lynch International.

“Today’s US dollar dual-tranche transaction was a great result for the World Bank team. The trade highlights the quality and global appeal of the World Bank name and its Sustainable Development Bond format, taking a combined issue size of USD 6 billion and attracting a strong and diverse orderbook on both the 2-year and 7-year tranche. HBSC was delighted to be a part of the transaction,” said Asif Sherani, EMEA Head of Syndicate and Head of Public Sector DCM, HSBC .

“The World Bank was quick to take advantage of the constructive market tone following the holiday break, moving ahead with the first Sovereign, Supranational and Agency (SSA) US dollar new issue of the quarter.  With this well-timed transaction, the World Bank was able to achieve the largest US dollar outing of the year in the SSA market, choosing two under-supplied tenors and launching a USD 6 billion combined size across the two maturities.  Congratulations to the World Bank team for this impressive transaction,” said Sarah Lovedee, Head of Supranational DCM, J.P. Morgan.

“Utilizing good timing sense, the World Bank issued their first dual-tranche USD benchmark since March 2022. Robust demand allowed issuer to garner an orderbook more than USD 12.7 billion to price a combined USD 6 billion 2 & 7-year transaction. This issue becomes, the largest USD SSA transaction priced this year, an impressive result.  Wells Fargo is delighted to be part of this trade,” said Carlos Perezgrovas, Head SSA Origination, Wells Fargo Securities .

Transaction Summary

About the World Bank The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA (Moody’s/S&P), is an international organization. Created in 1944, it is the original member of the World Bank Group and operates as a global development cooperative owned by 189 nations. The World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and other creditworthy countries to support the Sustainable Development Goals and to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It also provides leadership to coordinate regional and global responses to development challenges. The World Bank has been issuing sustainable development bonds in the international capital markets for over 70 years to fund programs and activities that achieve a positive impact. More information on World Bank bonds is available at  www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities .

World Bank bonds support the financing of programs that further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). World Bank bonds are aligned with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines published by the International Capital Market Association and as such support the financing of a combination of green and social, i.e., “sustainable development” projects, programs and activities in IBRD member countries as described in the  World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework . The World Bank is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Green Bond, Social Bond, and Sustainability Bond Principles. A key priority for the World Bank’s capital markets’ engagement is building strategic partnerships with investors to promote the importance of private sector financing in sustainable development. The World Bank’s Sustainable Development Bond  Impact Report  describes how the World Bank engages with investors on the SDGs and raises awareness for specific development challenges.

Disclaimers This press release is not an offer for sale of securities of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("IBRD"), also known in the capital markets as "World Bank". Any offering of World Bank securities will take place solely on the basis of the relevant offering documentation including, but not limited to, the prospectus, term sheet and/or final terms, as applicable, prepared by the World Bank or on behalf of the World Bank, and is subject to restrictions under the laws of several countries. World Bank securities may not be offered or sold except in compliance with all such laws. The World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework, the World Bank’s Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report, and the information set forth therein are not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, the offering documentation.

Net proceeds of the securities described herein are not committed or earmarked for lending to, or financing of, any particular projects or programs. Payments on the securities described herein are not funded by any particular project or program

Contact Heike Reichelt, The World Bank +1 202 477 2880 [email protected]

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Lecturer/sl in political economy of development.

• Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom, WC1h 0XG
• Permanent * Full time
• Posted: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 Closing: Monday, April 29, 2024
• AY1020410BloLIPEOD

Job title: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Political Economy of Development (T&R)

Department: Development Studies Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: Grade 8: £49,803.29 - £58,613.29 per annum inclusive of London Weighting (pro rata) 

Grade 9 : £60,239 - £69,132 per annum inclusive of London Weighting (pro rata) 

Location: Bloomsbury, London  

Hours: 35 hours

SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

About the Department:

Development Studies at SOAS emerged in the 1990s, initially in the form of a Centre, combining expertise and strengths from Economics, Politics, Anthropology and Sociology, and Geography. Even though there was already a strong tradition of development research in all these departments, this was an opportunity to create a new space of reflection, teaching and research which eventually led to the creation of the Department in 1995, with a rapid growth in student enrolments, programmes, and staff, resulting in a diverse collective encompassing a wide range of sub-fields and interests.

Now, in 2024, 28 full-time academics, more than 300 postgraduate students, and a strong undergraduate cohort populate the classrooms. We offer a range of degree programmes on-campus and online, bringing together a cross- and interdisciplinary approach that combines political-economy, economics, politics, anthropology, sociology and history amongst others.

Our academic staff create an intellectually engaged and challenging space across the many branches of Development Studies (including global labour and social justice, migration and displacement, conflict, humanitarian action, political ecology, and aid and institutions).

We are 2nd in the QS University Rankings by Subject. This reflects the high reputation of the Department and its vibrant teaching and research environment. We are committed to theoretical and methodological pluralism, and interdisciplinarity.

About the Role

The Department of Development Studies is looking to recruit a talented interdisciplinary scholar with an excellent teaching and research record who will contribute to the mission of the Department, as one of the leading development studies departments in the world.

The department is looking for a candidate with strong expertise in political economy and/or development economics, with capacity to teach quantitative skills, and with direct experience of data collection and fieldwork. Within that broad expertise, preference will be given to those candidates who also have expertise on environment and development, and/or agrarian/rural development. We will value expertise in heterodox perspectives in development economics and/or political economy, being able to engage broadly across an interdisciplinary programme, as well as a critical approach to using quantitative data for research in international development.

The successful candidate must be able to teach a range of modules at the undergraduate and postgraduate level for both on-campus and distance learning; as well as support research projects undertaken by MSc and PhD students. 

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website.

How to Apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV publications, and a supporting statement.

Closing date: 29th  April 2024     

Interviews to be held: Week beginning 13th May 2024

Further information

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact [email protected]

'Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006'. for the duration of their contract

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our  Job Applicant Notice.  

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

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Soas academic awarded british academy fellowship for fcdo policy research.

Dr Avinash Paliwal, SOAS Reader in International Relations, will conduct research for the government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) after being awarded the British Academy’s Innovation Fellowship. 

Dr Paliwal, who has been awarded a grant of £104,128, will spend the year on secondment at the FCDO, working on their long-term policy priorities in the areas of India and other South Asian states. His fellowship takes place following the publication of the government’s Integrated Review Refresh 2003 which sets out ways to respond to a more contested and volatile world. 

This role will challenge my assumptions about contemporary Britain as much as the Indian subcontinent

On this new endeavour, Avinash said: “I am honoured and excited to be awarded the British Academy Innovation Fellowship. It will allow me to work with and learn from Britain’s finest strategic thinkers. The secondment as a civil servant to the FCDO offers unique opportunities to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and foreign policy practice. 

“This role will challenge my assumptions about contemporary Britain as much as the Indian subcontinent, and help me target shared priorities in future academic research.” 

Avinash specialises in the International Relations of South Asia and is the author of My Enemy’s Enemy – India in Afghanistan from the Soviet Invasion to the US Withdrawal, detailing India’s role in Afghanistan during and after the Cold War. His forthcoming book, India’s Near East – A New History (Hurst, 2024) unpacks India’s faltering attempts to exert control over its eastern hinterland and the neighbouring states of Bangladesh and Myanmar. 

A member of the SOAS Department of Politics and International Studies and former Deputy Director of the SOAS South Asia Insitute , Avinash will deploy his expertise in Indian and South Asian politics in the FCDO secondment.

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