Development Studies

Entry requirements

MPhil - You should hold or expect to achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, in a related subject.

PhD - You should hold a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (2:1), or equivalent, and you should hold or expect to achieve a postgraduate Master’s degree in a related subject.

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component).

Months of entry

January, April, July, October

Course content

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).

Information for international students

Since its foundation in 1920, Swansea University has embraced opportunities to think globally. The vibrant mix of nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning and teaching environment. We understand the type of support our international students need to help them settle into student life in a new country.

Fees and funding

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out more about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page: www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/scholarships