MSc Development Studies with special reference to Central Asia
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)

The MSc Development Studies with reference to Central Asia follows a similar structure to the MSc Development Studies, however the optional course and dissertation (accounting for 50% of the programme) are both linked to Central Asian topics.

The programme is 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.

Minimum upper second class honours degree (or equivalent). Relevant work experience may also be considered.

September - September (Full time)
This programme may also be taken part time over 24 or 36 months.

There are two distinctive features which give Development Studies at SOAS characteristics not available elsewhere. The first is the School's outstanding reputation for the study of non-Western systems of thought and law. The second is its unrivalled regional specialisation in the languages and cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The department hosts a wide range of seminars from high profile speakers and professionals working in the development sector.