Dr David Cobley

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, 2019
• PhD in International Development, University of Birmingham, 2012
• MSc in Poverty Reduction and Development Management, University of Birmingham, 2008
• BSc (Hons) in Mathematics, University of Manchester, 1987
• LGMB Diploma in the Management of Care Services
• NVQ Level IV Care Management
• D32/33 NVQ Assessor’s Award

David has taught within the International Development Department since 2012, and became a lecturer in 2021. Prior to this, he has spent much of the past 35 years working within the UK disability sector, first as a carer and then more recently as a care manager and care home proprietor. He has conducted research and consultancy work on disability in several countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Sierra Leone, India and the Philippines. He has also written a textbook, published by Routledge in 2018, entitled ‘Disability and International Development: A Guide for Students and Practitioners’.

David convenes the following modules:

• Disability and Inclusive Development (PG On Campus)
• International Development (PG On Campus)
• Disability and Development (PG Distance Learning)
• Distance Learning Induction Module (PG Distance Learning)

David contributes to the following modules:

• Poverty, Inequality and Development (PG On Campus)
• Social Analysis of Poverty and Development (PG Distance Learning)
• Global Development Challenges (UG On Campus)

David regularly supervises Masters level dissertations and is currently supervising two PhD students. He has examined an MPhil Thesis and a PhD thesis, both at the University of Cape Town.

Research interests

David's previous research has focused on disability, especially around livelihoods, disaster recovery and the impact of COVID-19.

• Care home owner/manager (1999 – 2020)
• Board Member at New Outlook Housing Association (2003-2013)
• Care Manager at New Outlook Housing Association (1994 - 1999)