International Development

The MSc in International Development at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive and rigorous postgraduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex social, economic, political, and environmental factors that influence development around the world. This program integrates theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to critically analyze issues such as inequality, poverty, governance, global health, human rights, and sustainable development. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing on insights from economics, politics, sociology, and international relations, and is tailored to prepare students for careers in policy analysis, research, international organizations, and NGOs.

Students engage with a diverse range of case studies and research projects, fostering a global perspective and analytical skills necessary for addressing development challenges. The program emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and policy formulation, with opportunities for students to participate in seminars, workshops, and fieldwork. Faculty members are leading scholars and practitioners in international development, providing mentorship and insights from their extensive experience. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and offers a vibrant academic community where students can network with peers from around the world. Graduates of this MSc are well-equipped to work in governmental agencies, international institutions, research organizations, and advocacy groups committed to promoting sustainable development and social justice worldwide.

Academics at the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) can offer supervision in a wide range of subjects, including economic growth and instability, trade and investment, poverty and inequality, insecurity and conflict, the history of social and political change, migration and refugees, global governance and the environment, children and human development, and technology and industrialisation. The department also has close connections with other departments and research centres across the University.

As a DPhil student you will undertake your own original research project under the guidance of your supervisor, with whom you will typically meet at least two to three times a term. The supervisor will help develop and guide your project and, at later stages, provide feedback on chapter drafts. You will work on your own extensively however, and will need a high level of motivation. 

You will be admitted initially as a Probationer Research Student (PRS), transferring to full DPhil status at the end of your first year. During the probationary period, you will develop and begin work on your thesis topic. You will be offered training in relevant research methods, language, computing and other skills, and have the opportunity to attend lectures, seminars and classes in your general topic area.

As a PRS you will take one taught course, either in research methods or from an Oxford master’s degree relevant to your research, on which you will be examined at the end of the first year. You must pass this course with a strong performance in order to transfer from PRS status to full DPhil status. You also need departmental approval of a fully developed research plan, which you will present in your transfer paper to two assessors approved by the department’s graduate studies committee.

You are expected to be resident in Oxford for the PRS period. Once the transfer is complete, you may leave Oxford for up to three terms in order to conduct your fieldwork and continue the course by carrying out your own research under the guidance of your supervisor, with whom you will continue to meet or correspond with regularly. You should return to Oxford after fieldwork for at least three terms.

Assessment of progress will be made during these sessions with your supervisor and also in more formal viva voce meetings – for the Transfer of Status (usually at the end of the first year) and for Confirmation of Status (usually at the end of the third year). More information on these two meetings can be found in the course handbook on the ODID website.

As a PRS you will normally be expected to complete your degree in a period of three years plus up to one year of fieldwork (if needed). Students who transfer to the DPhil after the MPhil in Development Studies are expected to complete in two years plus time needed for fieldwork: they are also expected to be resident in Oxford for part of this time.

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 relevant social science subject.

However, entrance 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.

Applicants for the DPhil must also be predicted to or have achieved a distinction or very high 2:1 (or equivalent) for their master's degree in a relevant social science subject. The master's degree must be completed and a final transcript made available to the department by the end of August prior to the start of the DPhil.

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
• Research proposal:Around 3,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 4,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• 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).

The MSc in International Development at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding development in low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to provide a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from economics, politics, sociology, and environmental studies to analyze development challenges and policy solutions. Students have the opportunity to engage with a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as poverty alleviation, sustainable development, governance, human rights, and global health. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in international organizations, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and policy-making bodies. The coursework includes core modules, optional subjects, and a dissertation that allows students to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice related to international development. The academic environment fosters a collaborative approach, encouraging interaction with leading scholars and practitioners in the field. The University of Oxford's extensive resources, including library collections and research centers dedicated to development studies, support students' academic pursuits. The program also offers opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and participation in conferences, which complement theoretical learning with practical experience. Graduates of the MSc in International Development often go on to hold influential positions in international agencies, policy think tanks, and development projects worldwide. The program is particularly suitable for individuals interested in understanding systemic development issues and contributing to positive social change on a global scale. Entry requirements typically include a strong academic record, relevant work or research experience, and proficiency in English. The MSc in International Development reflects Oxford's commitment to producing knowledgeable and impactful development practitioners and scholars dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing development challenges.