Development Economics

About this programme

Applicants without A-level Maths (or equivalent) must have a minimum of grade B in GCSE Maths (or grade 6 in the new structure). See undergraduate entry requirements and English language requirements for international and alternative entry requirements. The Department of Economics is one of the country's leading departments specialising in the economics of growth and development as well as in political economy and heterodox approaches to Economics. Research and teaching are pursued on a variety of topics and are unique in their depth and range of regional and specialising coverage, including topics from contemporary banking and finance, the economics of the environment, gender economics, global economic policy, as well as the economic development of a variety of regions from Japan to the Middle East. SOAS is ranked top 25 in the UK for Economics (QS World University Rankings 2026). Students are able to apply for the optional year abroad in their second year of studies at SOAS. Students will be invited to information sessions about how to apply during their second year of studies by the Study Abroad team. Student applications are considered on academic merit and a personal statement and are subject to availability. Students need to have achieved 55% or higher in their first year of studies to be eligible. For further details, visit the Study Abroad section of our website. After the introductory modules in Year 1, you will then advance into more specialised modules in Years 2 and 3 that dive deeper into economic theory, specific regions in Asia, Africa and the Middle Eas