SOAS University of London offers a fully online MSc in Humanitarian Action that engages critically with the history, politics and practice of humanitarian action. Students explore how and where humanitarian aid is given, and how it interacts with the political and military complexities of emergency contexts. The programme examines critiques of humanitarian aid, including perspectives from the Global South, and investigates how South-to-South assistance in emergencies challenges conventional humanitarianism.
The core module covers humanitarian principles and architecture before examining critiques of humanitarian practice through case studies drawn from contexts including Syria, Sri Lanka and the Mediterranean migration crisis. Students then select from a range of elective modules covering themes such as forced migration and complex humanitarian emergencies, before completing a 60-credit dissertation. SOAS is ranked 5th in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2025) and 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation. The programme is suited to those working in or wishing to enter the humanitarian sector who prefer to study alongside their career. Note: SOAS is revitalising its online degree portfolio; the current programme structure ran until its final intake in April 2026, after which a refreshed version of the degree will be launched. Visit the SOAS website for the most current admissions information.