MPhil in Development Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MPhil in Development Studies is a rigorous, critical introduction to development as a process of managed and unmanaged change in societies of the Global South. It is interdisciplinary, covering the intellectual history of development.

Faculty: Oxford Department of International Development | Department: Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) | Duration: 21 months | Intake: 4 October 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Five elements: the core course, foundation courses, research methods, a thesis written over the summer after year one, and two option courses.

Career pathways

Students go on to careers in development policy or practice, or further study; a number continue to doctoral study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a social science subject; in exceptional cases students who have not specialised in a social science may be admitted. Research or working experience in developing countries is desirable but not essential; ability to work independently and in groups is essential. English language (higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall with 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall with 155 per component. Test must be taken no more than two years before the course start. Application deadline 2 December 2026.

Intake: 4 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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