PhD International Development

University of Birmingham

We offer two types of research degree: MPhil and PhD. You will have the opportunity to pursue original research under the guidance of an academic supervisor within an active research environment. In addition, training in research methods is provided and a training plan is drawn up to suit each student.

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.

Research areas

• Conflict and post conflict reconstruction
• Natural resource governance, management and livelihoods
• Anti-corruption and good governance
• Urban poverty and management
• Religion and development
• Participatory approaches
• Public sector management
• Decentralisation

The School of Government brings together academic staff, research fellows and doctoral researchers across the Social Sciences. The School is one of the leading UK and international centres for Politics, International Relations, International Development, Sociology and European Studies.

What type of career assistance is available to doctoral researchers in this department?

The College of Social Sciences, to which the International Development Department belongs, has specially designated careers advisors and careers consultants who can provide guidance for doctoral researchers on career paths, CVs, training opportunities, application and interviews. The University’s central Careers’ Service also runs workshops and offers personally tailored advice and guidance including 1-1 careers advice, 1-1 CV advice. The Career’s Service also runs CV writing workshops especially for postgraduates in the College of Social Sciences, giving advice on how to compile CVs for both employment and for academic roles.