IDD research students explore a wide variety of topics in international development and public management. We offer two types of research degree: MPhil and PhD.
Research areas
These include:
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Conflict and post conflict reconstruction
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Natural resource governance, management and livelihoods
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Anti-corruption and good governance
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Urban poverty and management
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Religion and development
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Participatory approaches
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Public sector management
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Decentralisation
Please see the list of staff interests below for more detailed information.
IDD is committed to encouraging new thinking in the fields of development and public management. Studying for a degree by research with IDD means being part of an active research and practitioner community that will support you in accomplishing your academic goals.
All students studying for a research degree pursue their own original research under the guidance of a supervisor and the support of another academic staff member as co-supervisor. This freedom is often attractive to people planning a career in academic or training institutions or who aim to work in policy planning units of public sector agencies.
An individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, based on a training needs assessment, covering both discipline-specific and transferable skills. Any gaps in their own skills portfolio identified by students can be filled during their period of study through attending courses offered by the department or the University.
Each student is assigned their own space and computer.
MPhil: A good Honours degree in a relevant field, but the application may also be supported by appropriate work experience. Applicants for the MPhil degree should provide evidence of their research ability, for example, the mark received for an undergraduate dissertation.
PhD: Excellent undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Typically the latter will be a taught masters degree, including a dissertation. Normally candidates for the PhD programme will initially be offered a place on the MPhil programme and will be transferred to the PhD at the end of the first year, subject to a satisfactory review of progress.
Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details.
Learn more about entry requirements.
International students: