International Development (Research)

The International Development Department (IDD) is committed to encouraging new thinking in the fields of development studies, global politics, and public policy

Studying for a degree by research with IDD means being part of an active research and practitioner community that will support you in accomplishing your academic goals.

Undertaking a PhD in International Development, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors within an active research environment with a focus on real world impact, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. You will take a number of research training modules in your first year and may attend further courses offered by the Department or the University that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.

IDD is part of the School of Government, one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international development, and public management. As one of the largest Schools of Government, in the United Kingdom, it is home to more than 80 full-time academic staff, more than 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers. In the 2022 Research Excellence Framework, IDD was ranked 3rd in the country for impact.

The School of Government offers much more than a degree. As a doctoral student here, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of research events with staff and other doctoral students, including a PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series. In addition, an individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, covering coursework and skills development. As such, completing this research degree will cultivate specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of career settings.

We are particularly interested in receiving applications on the following themes:

-Conflict and post conflict reconstruction
-Governance and politics of development
-Natural resource governance, management and livelihoods
-Politics of environmental change and sustainable development
-Inequality, poverty, and anti-corruption
-Democracy and authoritarianism
-Public sector management and decentralisation