SOAS University of London
Global Development
London, England, United Kingdom · UCAS L905
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3 years
Campus
Main Site
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
£10,050 (regulated maximum, 2027-28)
Intake
September 2027
UCAS code
L905
See how your grades stack up for this course
With an Ascenda account you get your fit and admit odds for every programme, a shortlist you can compare, and your deadlines and applications in one place.
Course Overview
Global Development at SOAS University of London in London, England, United Kingdom is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Student life (indicative)
London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
6,400
Staff Ratio
19.0:1
International
26.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
74.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£26,070
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Global Development
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Global Development topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Global Development
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
Development studies
Source: UCAS course listing, 2027 entry (retrieved September 2026). Always confirm the current requirements with the university.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
6,400
Total students
Staff Ratio
19:1
Students per staff
International Students
26%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Cool temperate
Safety Index (indicative)
7.8/10
Transport
Moderate (coach or indirect connections)
Social Scene
Friendly community
Student Life & City (indicative)
London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps. The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
- London offers arguably the world's richest student experience — thousands of free museums and galleries, a world-leading theatre scene, diverse food from every corner of the globe, and a nightlife scene that never sleeps.
- The sheer variety is unmatched anywhere in the UK.
What Students Love
- World-class museums & galleries
- Vibrant nightlife & bars
- Diverse international food scene
- Theatre & performing arts scene
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
74%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£26,070
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism. Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
- International relations graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, international organisations such as the UN and EU, think-tanks, government foreign ministries, NGOs and global journalism.
- Postgraduate study is common for roles in international policy.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200). A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
- In the higher range for UK student costs — expect around $2,300/month (housing $1,400, food $420, transport $200).
- A comfortable student lifestyle at costs well below London and the South East.
Contains HESA data (Discover Uni), licensed under CC BY 4.0.