DPhil in International Development at University of Oxford

Programme overview

A doctoral course for outstanding students pursuing in-depth multi- and interdisciplinary research into social, political and economic development and change in the global South. Supervision is available across a wide range of subjects, with close links to other departments and research centres.

Department: Oxford Department of International Development | Duration: 3-4 years full time; 6-8 years part time | Intake: 4 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time or part-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

An initial Probationer Research Student phase that includes a taught research methods course while developing the thesis topic, followed by original research under a supervisor with feedback on chapter drafts.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Doctoral entry (2027-28 entry): a master's degree with a distinction or a very high 2:1/merit in a relevant social science subject, and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a relevant social science subject. Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class/distinction master's or equivalent, with strong backgrounds in history, politics, anthropology, sociology, geography or economics, and familiarity with key literature in the proposed field. English language (higher level, for applicants whose first language is not English): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall with minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24; C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,340 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 32,970 a year (2027/28). Full-time annual course fee (overseas) Source

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 6-8 years part-time

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