PhD
Institute of Development Studies (IDS), University of Sussex

IDS offers a programme of supervised study leading to a DPhil in areas of research closely related to its current priorities. Because of this focus, the programme is small and applicants are assessed both on their academic credentials and on the relevance of their proposed research to the work of one or more IDS Fellows. Close working relationships are fostered between DPhil students, their supervisors and Fellows working in the same area, in order to enhance the quality of students’ DPhil education. The IDS research agenda encompasses many of today’s most important development challenges. The research programmes are organised in five closely linked multidisciplinary teams, and a growing number of international, multi-partner research projects are hosted at the Institute. The five research teams are: • Globalisation: focusing on the dynamics of the global environment in which the private sector investment and growth necessary for poverty reduction are situated. • Governance: focusing on the politics of state engagement and public action in developing countries. • Knowledge, Technology and Society: exploring how science and technology can improve the livelihoods and well-being of poor people, and to promote greater social justice • Participation, Power and Social Change: looking at how and where participation by citizens can make a difference to questions of social justice and development • Vulnerability and Poverty Reduction: improving the understanding of vulnerability, and designing effective means of addressing it, as a central component of poverty reduction.

Applicants are expected to hold a masters degree or equivalent and must either already possess appropriate research skills or attend a research skills course during the first part of the academic year. The minimum acceptable level of English language competence is grade 7 overall, and no less than 6.5 in each section of the IELTS test (or equivalent). In addition, given our aim of integrating DPhil research with ongoing IDS work, prospective applicants are strongly advised to make contact with an IDS fellow specialising in their chosen field well before submitting a formal application.

The programme can be started in October, January or April and is expected to be completed within 3-4