MPhil/PhD Development Studies - Research at University of Greenwich

Programme overview

Our Natural Resource Institute (NRI) in Medway provides an ideal environment for innovative and original research in development studies. Research in development studies gives you the opportunity to investigate key global social-scientific areas, such as sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction, primarily in developing countries. The NRI has a rapidly growing programme of research at MPhil and PhD level on interdisciplinary topics relating to development in the South and in Europe.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and Science | Department: Natural Resources Institute | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: We accept applications all year-round. | Location: London, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The normal route of entry is to register as an MPhil student and transfer to PhD after demonstrating sufficient progress. If you plan to follow this, you should apply for the MPhil/PhD programme. Recent projects and current specialisms include marketing of agricultural commodities, impact of agricultural technologies, fostering farmers' innovation, rural financial and governance institutions, socio-ecological systems, and adaptation to climate change.

Career pathways

Graduates from the MPhil and PhD programmes can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in industry, government and academia.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An undergraduate (honours) degree with minimum 2:1 (or equivalent), or a Master’s degree with minimum 60% overall (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants who don’t meet the above but have significant experience may be considered subject to the approval of the Associate Dean for Research and Knowledge Exchange and the Programme Leader. Further information about entry: Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview. Applicants will also be required to: Provide a detailed research proposal of approx. 1,500 words (for scholarship applications, please see specific instructions in the advert and include the scholarship reference to the personal statement section). Provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV). Provide 2x academic or professional references. Applicants are highly encouraged to identify and contact a potential MPhil/PhD supervisor. They will guide applicants through the application and help shape the research proposal. Where possible, include the name of the potential supervisor(s) contacted in research proposal and personal statement. NRI Research Centres

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition fee Source

International applicants: GBP 18,700 a year (2026/27). Full-time tuition fee Source

Intake: We accept applications all year-round.

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.gre.ac.uk/research/study/application-process

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