Development Studies

Development Studies at the University of Oxford is a rigorous interdisciplinary programme designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex processes involved in global development. This course explores the socio-economic, political, environmental, and cultural factors that influence development outcomes across different regions of the world. Students will engage with critical issues such as poverty alleviation, sustainable development, inequality, governance, human rights, and the impacts of globalisation. The programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, equipping graduates with the analytical skills necessary to address development challenges in both policy and practice. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research, students will develop a nuanced perspective on development theories and their relevance to real-world issues. The course also emphasizes comparative analysis, encouraging students to examine diverse development contexts and learn from different approaches adopted globally. Students have the opportunity to undertake research projects, participate in fieldwork, and collaborate with experts from various disciplines. The programme prepares graduates for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, academia, and the private sector. It also provides a strong foundation for further academic study in development-related fields. The Department of International Development at Oxford is renowned for its distinguished faculty, extensive research resources, and vibrant academic community. The Development Studies programme fosters critical thinking, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about making a tangible impact on global development issues.

The course comprises five elements: foundation courses, research methods, the core course, the thesis and two option courses.

In the first year, you will study two out of three foundation courses:

• Economics
• History and Politics
• Social Anthropology

If you have no previous training in economics you must take this as one of your foundation courses; otherwise you must take the other two.

You will also follow a course in research methods for the social sciences, comprising sessions on research design and qualitative and quantitative methods. Additional sessions will be held on aspects of fieldwork ethics and preparation, library resources and software and computerised databases.

The core course, also taken in the first year, is an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course with two component modules:

• Ideas about Development
• Key Themes in Development

You will spend the summer following your first year working on a 30,000-word thesis. You will choose the topic, with the guidance of your supervisor, and, in most cases, spend some of the summer doing fieldwork and gathering data. 

In the second year, you will take your chosen option courses and continue work on your thesis.

Teaching

Each course entails three to five hours of teaching per week, delivered through lectures, classes and workshops. Class sizes are small – between 5 and 30 students – encouraging active participation and enabling students to learn from each other. You prepare for sessions by reading a selection of recommended books, book chapters and articles.

You will be allocated a general supervisor who will support your academic development and with whom you will meet regularly. Allocation is based on your research interests, optimal fit with the supervisor’s expertise, and staff availability. Where dissertation supervision requires expertise that is not available among the core staff, an additional dissertation supervisor will be identified. You will also have a college advisor whom you may consult on issues concerning your personal wellbeing.

Assessment

Year 1

There will be a set of on-course assessments, including formative essays. These will provide you with an opportunity to explore topics you find of interest and to practice essay-writing skills.

Formal assessment will normally comprise a three-hour written examination at the beginning of the third term for each foundation course; a three-hour written examination at the end of the third term and a research design essay, submitted in the same term, for research methods; and two 5,000-word essays for the core course. You must pass all examinations to continue into Year 2. There is an opportunity to re-sit in September.

Year 2

Formal assessment will comprise a three-hour examination for each option course at the end of the final term and the thesis, submitted at the beginning of the final term.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a social science subject. As one of the purposes of the course is to provide a basic education in the subject, in exceptional cases, students who have not specialised in a social science may be admitted to read for the MPhil in Development Studies. It should be recognised that for some students, the transition to a social studies approach to learning may not be easy.

Entrance to the course is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.8 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: 500 to 1,000 words
• Written work: Two essays of 4,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Development Studies at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex issues related to economic growth, social development, and sustainable progress in developing countries. The program emphasizes critical analysis of development policies, governance, inequality, poverty, and the global political economy. Students engage with a variety of disciplines, including economics, politics, sociology, and international relations, to develop a nuanced perspective on the challenges faced by countries striving for development. The curriculum typically includes core modules in development theory, research methods, and policy analysis, alongside specialized courses that explore issues such as climate change, health, education, and human rights.

The program benefits from Oxford’s rich academic environment, offering students access to leading scholars and a range of research resources. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and conferences that facilitate engagement with current debates and policy discussions in development. The program often involves a combination of taught coursework and independent research, culminating in a dissertation that addresses a specific development issue. Practical components may also include fieldwork, internships, or collaborations with development organizations, providing real-world experience and professional networking opportunities.

Graduates of the Development Studies program at Oxford are well-prepared for careers in international organizations, government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector. The program’s rigorous academic training also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate research or academic careers. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to think critically, analyze data effectively, and develop innovative solutions to development challenges, reflecting Oxford’s commitment to fostering leaders capable of making impactful contributions to global development efforts.