Our Aims and Objectives
We are the UK association for all those who research, study and teach global development issues
Find Out MoreDSA is a friendly, inclusive organisation and we welcome anyone with an interest in development studies to join us
You may join as an individual, or as an institution.
“The DSA connects you to a universe of like-minded scholars and peers. It brings to you a host of relevant debates, engagement, dialogues, and platforms for webinars. The scholarly engagement and the conferences you can attend keep you enriched.”
Touseef Mir, Lecturer in Development Studies at SOAS University of London
“We need organisations like the DSA to be part of a collective push for humane, impactful politics, research and teaching,”
Emma Mawdsley, Professor of Geography and Fellow of Newnham College
Development researchers, educators, students and practitioners from all fields can join the DSA. Members can be from around the world, and a fee-waiver is currently in place for those living in and citizens of low- and middle-income countries. Members in the UK may claim tax relief on DSA membership subscriptions they have paid for themselves, via HMRC and can back-claim membership fees from 2019 onwards.
As part of our community, all members benefit from:
“The DSA is truly collegiate and I am struck by how much there is a desire and willingness to work together. We get so much from hearing what the others do and having conversations and sharing the experiences and challenges we face,”
Head of Department at International Development Department, University of Birmingham, David Hudson.
We’re proud to have built a network of more than 30 leading development studies institutions from across the UK. A variety of university departments, think-tanks, NGOs, consultancies and publishers from around the world are also part of our institutional membership.
Our institutional members have access to:
After six years without any increases, the DSA made a small increase to its membership fees in the year 2022/23. Fees are still much lower than equivalent organisations, and offer excellent value for money. Membership fees are:
The DSA offers publishers with development studies related publications the opportunity to advertise their publications via the DSA website. Publisher members may avail of discounted exhibition rates at the annual conference. Membership costs £950 per year.
We welcome engagement from the NGO sector who are critical partners in delivering development. If your NGO is interested in becoming a member of the DSA, please email [email protected]
The institutional fees are based on size.
Joining the DSA is easy
To join or rejoin as an individual member, complete the application form and we will send an invoice for your fees (if applicable). Membership runs for one year from 1st February.
If you’d like to join as an institution, please contact us to talk through the options.