Development Studies

Entry requirements

Candidates for the PhD are expected to hold a high 2:1 undergraduate degree from a UK university or equivalent GPA of at least 3.6/4.0 and to have completed (or be about to complete) a Master's Degree in a relevant subject, with a Merit overall or a GPA of at least 3.6/4.0 or equivalent from a non-UK University. They must also have a good research project that falls within the research interests of one the Centre's lecturers.

Months of entry

October

Course content

In the first year of the PhD programme there is a focus on training in research methods and transferable skills. The Centre of Development Studies runs its own Research Methods course and it is compulsory for all first year PhD students to attend this course. Students are also encouraged to attend a wide range of seminars and other events that are organised by the Centre of Development Studies and departments throughout the University, such as the Social Sciences Research Methods Centre.

The Centre runs weekly seminars and every 3rd and 7th sessions of the teaching term will be reserved for PhD students' presentations. All PhD students are expected to present at least once each year over the duration of their course. This is a great opportunity to develop presentation skills and receive valuable feedback from both senior
academics and peers. Presentation of a paper at one of these seminars is a requirement of the PhD programme.

The essence of the Cambridge experience, however, is that the PhD candidate works closely with the PhD supervisor. He or she will help the candidate develop the thesis project through discussion and the review of draft materials presented by the candidate.

The process of working on the thesis will differ from candidate to candidate, depending on their project, their preferences and the style of supervision adopted. However, in general, it is expected that the first year will be devoted not only to completing the Research Methods modules, but also to the development of a detailed and well thought-through thesis outline and methodology In particular, at the outset, the student should devote some time to considering how they will be making an original contribution to the field through their work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research, teaching or both) or another profession related to the field of development studies.