Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies at University of Cambridge

Studying for a PhD at the the Centre of Development Studies situates you in a community of diverse scholars who bring together the analytical rigour required of economists and other social scientists today, and the recognition that no important issue in development — poverty and inequality, population growth, the construction of the institutions of a market economy, war and human rights, democratisation — can be properly understood without an inter-disciplinary perspective. You can find out more about the wide range of research undertaken by current PhD students as well as by our academic staff on our website.

Faculty: School of the Humanities and Social Sciences  |  Department: Centre of Development Studies  |  Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: October 2027  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Students are also encouraged to attend a wide range of seminars and other events organised by the Centre of Development Studies and departments throughout the University, such as the Social Sciences Research Methods Centre. The Supervisor helps the candidate develop the thesis project through discussion and review of draft materials presented by the candidate. A PhD thesis for the Centre of Development Studies, which comes under the Degree Committee for the Department of Politics and International Studies, must not exceed 80,000 words including footnotes.

Official programme page