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Development Studies (Research)

4 Study options · PostgraduateSingleton Park Campus
Awarded by:
Swansea University (Prifysgol Abertawe)

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

A PhD or MPhil in Development Studies at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector.

Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups:

Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO)
International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS)
Political Analysis and Government (PAG)
This expertise includes:

• Human rights and International development
• International security and strategic studies
• Conflict
• Politics and International development
• Transitional justice and international crimes
• International development Policy

Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study at Swansea University.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Singleton Park Campus

Study options

  • PhD • Full-time • 3 Years
  • MPhil • Full-time • 2 Years
  • PhD • Part-time • 6 Years
  • MPhil • Part-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 10/2026
  • 07/2027
  • 04/2027
  • 01/2027

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Development Studies at Swansea University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Pash

    Swansea University
    Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
    Hi, I'm Pash! I previously studied Applied Medical Sciences for my undergrad at Swansea, and now I'm a 4th-year medical student. Having lived in Swansea for the last six years now, this is my second home. So ask me anything you'd like about life as a Swansea student! 😊

  • Niamh

    Swansea University
    Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
    Hi! My name is Niamh and I am a former Applied Medical Science student currently studying medicine at Swansea University. Making the move from secondary to university can be a daunting experience and so I am happy to be a part of the Unibuddy scheme to alleviate any worries and answer any questions that prospective students may have about life here in Swansea University.

  • Tomi

    Swansea University
    Medical Biochemistry, MSci (Hons)
    Hi, I'm Tomi :) I would describe myself as scientifically minded, with a systematic approach to working, and enthusiasm to learn and develop personal skills in a practical setting. A possible career goal may be to become a healthcare scientist, with the longer-term aspiration of moving into medical research/industry with a budding interest in consultancy work.

  • Jess

    Swansea University
    Medical Engineering with a Year Abroad, MEng (Hons)
    Hiya, I’m Jess and I’m a fourth year biomedical engineering student currently on my year abroad. I’m really interested in robotics within medicine and biomechanics and hope to pursue these in the future. Other things I really enjoy are dance, hiking and music.

  • Wendy

    Swansea University
    Psychology, BSc (Hons)
    I aspire to be a clinical psychologist and I have a strong interest in child psychology and a passion for helping others. I am dedicated to developing my skills and knowledge to support the well-being and mental health of young people, and I look forward to making a positive impact in the field!

  • Jessica

    Swansea University
    Sport and Exercise Science, BSc (Hons)
    Hi! My name is Jessica but you can call me Jess. I was born and raised in Australia but then moved to Montreal, Canada and did my secondary schooling there. I also have New Zealand and British Citizenship. I’m currently in my third year of my degree and I plan on doing a Masters once I’m finished. I’m so excited to answer any questions so please feel free to connect with me!

  • Josh

    Swansea University
    Medical Engineering with a Year in Industry, BEng (Hons)
    Hi! I’m Josh a Biomedical Engineering undergraduate studying at Swansea University. I am very interested in biomechanics and the applications of engineering in prosthesis. At the University, in my free time, I play volleyball and like to go on drives to explore Swansea.

  • Eleri

    Swansea University
    English Language and TESOL, BA (Hons)
    I love the idea of teaching English in South Korea. I have spent much time in Seoul and Busan over the past 2 years and would love the opportunity to move more permanently. As an avid history lover, Korea's expansive history fascinates me! I am a massive fan of BTS, and my bias is Jimin! I am learning to speak Korean and will participate in a summer school in Seoul this summer to expand my language knowledge further. In my spare time I enjoy creating content for my Instagram which consists of BTS, lifestyle and travel!

  • Favour

    Swansea University
    Business Management (Modern Languages), BSc (Hons)
    Good Afternoon , My name is Favour . I am a student ambassador studying Business Management ( Modern Manguages ) and I enjoy learning about different cultures and languages. I also like business because it's quite interesting especially the marketing side , it prepares you for how to work in a corporation and equips you with many skills that will be useful in the working life , including managing people :) .

  • Chris Jo

    Swansea University
    Adult Nursing (Swansea), BSc (Hons)
    Hi! I'm Chris👦🏻, an Adult Nursing student at Swansea University's Singleton Park campus. I work as a Senior Ambassador for the university assisting in admission, compliance, marketing, recruitment, and international and future student experience. I also practice at Swansea Bay University Health Board, covering all 3 acute hospitals within Swansea & Neath Port Talbot jurisdiction. Previously, I was part of the School of Health and Social Care (SHSC), which includes a combined 68 UG & PGT/PGR Programme's, I liaised with teaching and non-teaching faculty as School Rep; leading student engagement, student experience, student voice & inclusivity partnership from 2023 to 2024. I had previously worked for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar™ as a Health & Safety Executive, HSV/HSE - HC. My current project with Swansea University as a SPIN Intern in the Dept of Nursing is to assist in learning and teaching materials and strategies for the nursing programmes of Swansea University. My interest and where I see myself doing something after graduation would be in acute care mainly in Ophthalmology 👁 - with Eyes👓, Intensive care in Cardiothoracic ❤️‍🩹- the heart 🫀and the lungs🫁, or Emergency Medicine🚑.

  • Rose

    Swansea University
    Medicine (Graduate Entry), MBBCH
    I am a 4th year Graduate Entry Medicine Student and I also did my Bsc in Medical Pharmacology at Swansea. I love dance, aerial sports and cheerleading, it has been a great experience so far. There are a lot of different areas of Swansea that can be explored. I was born in America but have done GCSE and A-levels in the United Kingdom. I have various jobs connected to the university such as Student Ambassador. The Medical Pharmacology course was a great and engaging experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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