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  • Postgraduate courses
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Course options

  • Qualification

    PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

  • Location

    Singleton Park Campus 1

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    OCT

  • Duration

    3 Years

Course summary

A PhD or MPhil in Development Studies at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time. You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups: Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO), International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS) and Political Analysis and Government (PAG). This expertise includes: Human rights and International development, International security and strategic studies, Conflict, Politics and International development, Transitional justice and international crimes and International development Policy. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of development studies, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

Application deadline

15/08/2025

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 18,500per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Swansea University

Swansea University

  • University League Table

    40th

  • Campus address

    Singleton Park Campus, Singleton Park, Swansea, Swansea, SA2 8PP, United Kingdom

Swansea offers an outstanding study experience across two beachside campuses, with a community of 4,800+ undergraduates and postgraduates from 100+ countries.
Swansea's dedicated international recruitment, admissions and student support teams will help to guide you from application to arrival and beyond.
Ranked 40th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026), Swansea University offers an exceptional education combined with an unforgettable student experience.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    38th out of 77 1

    39th out of 74 5

  • Entry standards

    / Max 235
    120 51%

    45th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    73.0 73%

    53rd

    15
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.08 77%

    35th

    18
  • Entry standards

    / Max 217
    115 53%

    49th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    80.0 80%

    15th

    14
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.25 81%

    17th

    13

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