Overview

Study with the world leaders in Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex and realise your potential to transform the world.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll join a thriving research community with more than 70 research staff and 50 postgraduate researchers. You’ll have access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.

Outcomes

Your time at IDS will equip you with the training needed to launch your career in academia, government, civil society or the private sector, and make a real difference in bringing about transformative change.

Our PhD graduates are defining and solving some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in their work as:

ministers in national governments and civil servants
high-level officials in development organisations such as UNDP and the World Bank
leaders and thinkers of civil-society and international development organisations such as ActionAid and Christian Aid
high-profile academics at universities across the world.

Programme Structure

Research clusters include:

Business, Markets and the State
Cities
Digital and Technology
Governance
Health and Nutrition
Knowledge, Impact and Policy
Participation, Inclusion and Social Change
Power and Popular Politics
Resource Politics and Environmental Change
Rural Futures

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months
Part-time
- 96 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-28 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-06-23 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-28 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , EEA/EU
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Brighton, United Kingdom

Disciplines

International Development Community Development View 25 other PhDs in International Development in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Masters degree.
Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience in a developing country or in development-related work.

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

23500 GBP / year

≈ 23500 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5238 GBP / year

≈ 5238 GBP / year

Living costs

Brighton

United Kingdom

815 - 1383 GBP / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Development Studies (IDS).

Available Scholarships

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

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