The MSc Global Development with Work Placement Year programme provides a solid interdisciplinary social science formation in development theory and practice and develops students' capacities for independent and critical analysis. Development Studies is a dynamic field 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. For your placement year , you will have the opportunity to take part in a full-time, 10–12 month work placement at an organisation of your choice. Please note: you will be expected to secure the work placement yourself, to be approved by the academic department. The SOAS Careers team are on hand to help you with your CV, interview skills and finding the right organisation for you. SOAS is ranked 2nd in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2026). We are ranked 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation in Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2026). The 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 Students also benefit from the wide range of modules on offer, both within the Department and across the School, allowing them to create individualised interdisciplinary programmes.