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Development Studies is no longer accepting new applications.
Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
Completed applications are considered by the Admissions Committee from the December 5th deadline for applicants seeking funding, and the February 29th deadline for self-funding applicants. The committee aims to consider all applications within 12 weeks of each of the deadlines.
Applicants are required to provide a Statement of Interest with their applications, outlining why they wish to study the MPhil in Development Studies specifically. Students also need to submit a dissertation proposal which clearly explains the background and research question, the relevant theoretical framework/bodies of literature and the methodologies they propose to use.
It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all documents forming part of their application are correct and complete at the point of submission of the application. The department will not permit changes or additions to these documents after application. Additionally, the Admissions Committee will not review any documents which are not listed on the PAO website as required for the MPhil or PhD in Development Studies.
The course has a limited number of spaces and receives an extremely high volume of applications. Please note that due to this volume, individual feedback cannot be given.
Selection Process
Applications are considered by the Admissions Committee in two gathered fields. The first deadline is the funding application deadline on 5 December 2023. The second deadline is 29 February 2024.
Decisions are made and communicated to applicants within 12 weeks of each application deadline.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.
- Two academic references
- Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - you can check using our tool - Statement of interest (2500 characters)
Your statement of interest should explain why you wish to do the course and how it fits into your long-term career plans. You should not be concerned about any overlap between this statement and the rest of the application form. The 2500 characters limit includes spaces. - Research proposal (M)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
Upon commencing the programme, all students are allocated an Academic Supervisor who will review their general progress.
All students are allocated a Dissertation Supervisor. Students may indicate the name of a potential supervisor in their application. However, the decision to allocate supervisors lies with the Centre and depends on supervisors’ expertise and availability.