Development Studies (IDS) (Research)

1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Study with the world leaders in Development Studies and realise your potential to transform the world.

The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally, through our world-class research, learning and teaching.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll join a thriving research community with more than 70 research staff and 50 postgraduate researchers. You’ll have access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

Your time at IDS will equip you with the training needed to launch your career in academia, government, civil society or the private sector, and make a real difference in bringing about transformative change. Our PhD graduates are defining and solving some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in their work as:

• ministers in national governments and civil servants

• high-level officials in development organisations such as UNDP and the World Bank

• leaders and thinkers of civil-society and international development organisations such as ActionAid and Christian Aid

• high-profile academics at universities across the world.

Areas of study
We welcome submissions from researchers who share our commitment to:

• upholding climate and environmental justice

• reducing extreme inequities

• fostering healthy and fulfilling lives

• nurturing inclusive, democratic and accountable societies.

We’re particularly interested in work that shows originality in addressing topics related to the work of our research fellows based across our ten research clusters.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.