Overview

Explore themes such as governance, sustainability, and inequality, and be ready to impact society through research with the International Development degree at the University of Birmingham .

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.

The PhD in International Development offers you the opportunity engage in original research guided by leading academics supporting you with personalised training within a top-ranked, research-focused environment and vibrant research community.

Career opportunities

The PhD in International Development prepares you for a range of impactful careers. You’ll gain advanced research skills and expertise, opening doors to roles in academia, policy-making, global NGOs, and international development organisations.

Personalised training and extensive career support from the department will ensure you are equipped for leadership positions and real-world impact in your chosen field.

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Programme Structure

Research projects:

You can apply directly through the University, or by proposing your own PhD idea.

They welcome applications that complement the academic interests of members of staff in the Department.

They recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.

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Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

More details

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round, but if you wish to start in September, you should apply by 1 June.

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

88

OR

4.5

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PTE Academic

67

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Birmingham, United Kingdom

Disciplines

International Development View 23 other PhDs in International Development in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

88

OR

4.5

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

67

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

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 the 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.

Make sure you meet all requirements

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

22880 GBP / year

≈ 22880 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5238 GBP / year

≈ 5238 GBP / year

Additional Details

UK: £2,619 part-time On Campus and Distance Learning

International: £11,440 eight years Distance Learning

Living costs

Birmingham

United Kingdom

765 - 1134 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for International Development.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career opportunities

Get more details

Programme Structure

Check out the full curriculum

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

Explore more key information

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Make sure you meet all requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Birmingham

Funding

Check for any work restrictions

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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