MSc Development Economics

Experiential Learning

The MSc Development Economics emphasises practical, policy‑relevant study and research skills, with learning delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, and a strong emphasis on empirical work. Students gain hands‑on experience with quantitative analysis and research design, supported by access to SOAS Library’s extensive Africa, Asia and Middle East collections and electronic resources. A key experiential element is the opportunity to undertake a co‑supervised dissertation with leading international organisations and to participate in the dual master’s option with Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Transition in experiential learning:

- SOAS Library: one of the world’s most important academic libraries for the study of Africa, Asia and the Middle East, housing over 1.2 million volumes and extensive archival holdings and electronic resources.
- Preliminary Mathematics and Statistics: compulsory online course hosted on the SOAS Moodle/BLE platform before the start of core modules.
- Co‑supervised dissertation: collaboration with international organisations such as the World Bank, ITC, UNIDO, UNCTAD and ILO.
- Global partnerships: the dual master's option with Johns Hopkins SAIS enabling study across institutions and dual awards.
- Program delivery: modules taught via lectures, tutorials and seminars, with assessment through May examinations and a dissertation submission in September.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Development Economics go on to work in international organisations, governments, NGOs and private companies, and the degree provides a strong foundation for PhD studies.

- Which university services will help students to employ: SOAS Careers Service
- Employment stats and salary figures:
- University industry partnerships (specific): World Bank, ITC, UNIDO, UNCTAD, ILO; dual master’s with Johns Hopkins SAIS
- Long‑term accreditation value:
- Graduation outcomes: Recent graduates have been hired by Bain & Co, Bank of America, Cabinet Office, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, HM Treasury, KPMG, NHS England, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, HSBC, UNHCR, UNDP, The World Bank, PwC, Oxfam, UK Civil Service, RBS
- Further Academic Progression: After completing the MSc, you could continue with PhD studies in development economics or related fields, building on the program’s empirical and policy‑oriented training.