Research Degrees (MPhil/PhD) in International Development SOAS University of London

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.

Research Admissions and Applications

We welcome applications from qualified students holding a good Master’s-level degree (or overseas equivalent) in a relevant subject for research degrees at SOAS. Applications should be submitted online.

It is important to apply well before the start of the academic year in which you wish to enrol to allow us time to process your application. If you are applying for scholarships, earlier deadlines may apply.

The SOAS PhD programme is competitive and applicants should have a track record of high academic achievement and a viable proposal which will contribute to the research interests of the Department. Please note: we discourage purely speculative applications. Applications for interdisciplinary research are welcome, but only one application to one Department may be submitted.

Unconditional English Language Entry Requirements

Applicants that require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK must provide a UKVI IELTS Academic certificate from a UKVI approved test centre.

International applicants requiring a Tier-4 Visa to study in the UK

EEA and EU applicants

Structure

The PhD in International Development is the research degree part of the PhD pathway within the Bloomsbury Doctoral Training Centre that is one of the few such Centres recognised by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and which thereby receives financial support for MSc and research students. But the pathway is open to applicants whether eligible for or in receipt of ESRC funding or not, with ESRC-funded students expected to form a small minority overall. The pathway may be entered directly at the first year of the MPhil/PhD, subject to prior suitable postgraduate qualification, usually MSc at a suitable level, or through a dedicated SOAS MSc that qualifies for admission subject to a level of achievement and other requirements.

Schedule

The research degree embodies a core of training in research methods combined with a clear structure of progression thereafter. The training components are explained below. The duration and structure of the research degree will be as follows:

• Full-Time Research Degree: 3 years plus 1 year writing up.
  • Year 1: Research Training: research students will take one or more "Research Methods" courses in Economics and/or Development Studies departments, for their research topics.
  • Year 1: Upgrade: Students will normally be expected to pass an upgrade from MPhil to PhD status within 9 months of commencing the degree.
  • Year 2-3: Research: Core research undertaken: primary and secondary data collection as appropriate, thesis chapters finalised.
  • Year 4: Write Up: If necessary a 4th year can be taken to write the final thesis. Examination of the thesis will take place after submission within the 4th year.
• Part-Time Research Degree: 6 years plus 1 year writing up.
  • The research degree can be undertaken over 6 years; Research Methods courses can be taken over the first 2 years, but at least one has to be taken in year 1.
  • Upgrade will take place within the 24 months after initial registration.
  • Examination: this will take place after submission within the writing-up year (year 7) at the latest.

Important notice

The information on the programme page reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session.