International Development PhD

Shape your future by developing cutting-edge research skills, critical thinking, and expertise in development studies, preparing you for influential roles in academia, policy-making, and global development organisations.

Course Structure

Distance Learning

If you decide to study for a PhD by distance learning, you will usually be expected to attend one-week visit to the University (it is possible to request an exemption due to extenuating circumstances such as work commitments of caring responsibilities, for example). This visit will take place at the start of your studies during the College’s induction week (which usually takes place in the last week of September).

This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a range of training sessions and networking events and meet your peers and supervisory team in person. The College of Social Sciences will make a generous contribution to your accommodation and travel. Your School will write to you to confirm the arrangements of your visit once you have confirmed your offer. Distance Learning students are not required to attend the University in-person for the remainder of their studies but are welcome to visit at their own expense.

Our PhD in International Development offers you the opportunity to engage in original research guided by leading academics. You will be supported with personalised training at a top-ranked, research-focused institution.

With a focus on real-world impact, you'll explore key themes such as governance, sustainability, and conflict resolution. Benefit from tailored career support combined with the programme learning outcomes to advance your expertise but also develop the skills for influential roles in academia and beyond.

• Conduct original research with under the guide of leading academics in a top-ranked, impactful research environment.
• Be part of a vibrant research and practitioner community, participating in events like the PGR Colloquium, seminars and speaker series.
• Benefit from personalised research training and skills development tailored to your academic and career goals.
• Access extensive career advice, workshops, and networking opportunities to advance in academia and beyond.

You will contact your supervisor approximately monthly (every two months for part-time students) over the course of your study. Supervisors are experienced in managing the research process and are chosen to complement your area of interest. You will discuss your research with a panel annually, including your supervisor and another member of staff. It provides an important opportunity to present progress on your research and to have a wider discussion about your work.

Your supervisor will read and comment on drafts of your thesis before it is finally submitted. An external and an internal examiner (who will not be your supervisor) will then examine it and will meet with you for a viva. They will judge whether your thesis demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the relevant academic literature
• Skill in use of research methods
• Independent investigation
• Clear presentation of information
• Arguments presented in a coherent and appropriate form

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

Find an Advertised PhD

At Birmingham, you may be able to apply for an advertised PhD. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body. You can Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Find a supervisor

If you are proposing your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

Please do not email multiple members of staff with the same query. If you are unsure of who to contact as a potential supervisor, please write to the IDD PGR lead, Dr Brock Bersaglio: b.d.bersaglio@bham.ac.uk.

PhD: Excellent undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Typically the latter will be a taught masters degree, including a dissertation.

Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of their 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. If you have relevant professional experience or qualifications, these will also be taken into account when considering your application. Please contact the IDD PGR lead (Dr Brock Bersaglio: b.d.bersaglio@bham.ac.uk) for more details.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

The University of Birmingham offers a range of scholarship options available each year for doctoral researchers who meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate an excellent academic track record. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Funding your Postgraduate Research

Scholarships are highly competitive, with limited funding available. It is essential that all applications for scholarships are carefully prepared, and include all necessary documentation. Incomplete applications cannot be considered for scholarship funding.

Postgraduate Masters loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we offer a range of scholarships and funding opportunities. We also offer advice and guidance on searching for funding and managing your finances.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would strongly encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines early in the new year so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Research proposal

If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions, a concise literature review of the key existing debates in the field relating to your topic, with appropriate references to key academic sources, the proposed theoretical framework for the project (including discussion of potential alternative approaches where appropriate), and the methods you intend to use. Your proposal should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

Important note on word limits:

For the purposes of your application for a PhD place, admissions allow candidates to submit PhD Research Proposal up to 2,500 words (excluding the bibliography). However, the PhD Research Proposal word limit for both the ESRC and School scholarship is 1000 words (plus one page of references). If you are considering applying for funding, we recommend that you limit your PhD research proposal for the PhD place to approximately 1,000 words to avoid the need to edit the proposal significantly for funding competition purposes.

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum

Your careers toolkit

Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.

Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:

• Careers support services and Careers Network
• Work experience and placements
• Enterprise and entrepreneurship
• Alumni and employer connections
• Global opportunities and life experience
• Careers in the curriculum