PhD
School of Development Studies / Overseas Development Group

DEV is committed to the international body of research students studying in the School, currently numbering 80, and we offer a range of full-time, part-time and flexible research programmes designed to meet the needs of students at varying stages of their careers, and in varying circumstances. Arrangements can be made to suit those who find it difficult to spend long periods of time away from their employment, but there is a compulsory taught element for all students in development studies epistemologies in the spring semester. DEV offers students two pathways to a Doctorate: Those without sufficient disciplinary and research technique training will be encouraged to take one of the four ESRC-recognised taught Master programmes being offered by the School, i.e. the Master in Research Training in Development Studies (MRes), MA in Development Economics (MADE), the MSc in Environment and Development (MScED) or the MA in Rural Development (MARD). Those who have previous training that meets ESRC-requirements will be directed onto the MPhil/PhD path, which includes core units in development studies epistemologies and research skills as part of the programme. Candidates will be expected to have gained a good taught Master's qualification, and to present a focused research proposal to the School as part of the application process. The School has recognition from the UK Economic and Social Research Council for research training in Area Studies and Development Studies, Human Geography and Economics. This includes full-time, part-time, collaborative (CASE), NERC/ESRC studentships under 1+3 and +3 programmes. This applies to UK/EU applicants only. DEV will allocate two members of faculty familiar with your chosen area of research as supervisors, who will advise you on relevant taught units to be taken at the start of your study period, as well as on the direction and structure of your research thesis. The School makes every effort to allocate a personal working space to all new research students, with computer facilities. You will automatically become a member of one of the research groups in the School. We have a lively research community, and ideally can offer a study place to all research students in their first year. A typical research degree pattern would consist of one year working with your supervisors in the School, a second year on fieldwork gathering data, and a final year back the University to write up your thesis. Reduced fees are charged for your fieldwork year. Students can start at any one of 4 points during the year - 1 Oct, 1 Jan, 1 April and 1 July. To start 1 Oct is preferred to enable the student to be a part of a larger group of new students.

Type of course
Postgraduate research course

Entry requirements
A good first degree, a good taught Master's qualification, and to present a focused research proposal to the School as part of the application process. International applicants should have an English language score of at least 6.5 on the British Council IELTS test, or 575 on the US TOEFL test.

Start and finish dates
Normally 1st October start, 30th September finish

Average student numbers
20

http://www.uea.ac.uk/dev