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Postgraduate Study

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:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

The course receives many applications, and feedback on applications cannot be given.

Applicants must 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 Postgraduate Admissions Office website as required for the MPhil or PhD in Development Studies.

Selection Process

The Admissions Committee considers applications in two gathered fields, making decisions and communicating them to applicants within 12 weeks of the application deadlines. The first deadline is the funding application deadline on 3 December 2024, and the second deadline is 25 February 2025. 

Interviews for the first gathered field will be scheduled from 13 to 24 January 2025, and interviews for the second gathered field will be scheduled from 17 to 28 March 2025. 

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 (1500 characters) (mandatory)
    Applicants must include a statement of interest explaining why they wish to do this course and how it fits into their long-term career plans.
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
    Please provide an outline of the proposed research topic, indicating: the background and aims of the research and the methodology and data to be applied (if relevant).
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
    For more information on finding a Supervisor, see below.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

Supervisors should be named from the Centre of Development Studies. Your research topic must be within their area of expertise and have a strong link to Development Studies. Academics currently available for PhD supervision are listed on the Academics for PhD Supervision Nomination webpage.

In exceptional circumstances, applicants may name a Supervisor from another department, if the research proposal and the proposed Supervisor both have a strong link to Development Studies. 

A suitable and available Supervisor and a proposed research title must be included in the correct place on the application. (This is found on the first page of the Application Form, in the 'Research' section, 'Proposed Supervisor' and 'Proposed title of Research'.)

Apply Now

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Centre of Development Studies This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Feb. 28, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


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