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.
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.
CDS holds academic credibility and scholarly originality in the highest regard, and will not consider proposals or other scholarship reliant on AI.
Selection Process
Completed applications are considered by the Admissions Committee from:
8th December: Deadline for all applicants.
The committee aims to consider all applications within 12 working weeks of the deadline.
Online interviews for the first gathered field will be scheduled to take place in the second week of January.
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
-
Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Core - 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. - Core - Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
An outline (three or fours pages) of the proposed research topic, indicating: the background and aims of the research and the methodology and data to be applied (if relevant). - Core - Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
The sample of work should not exceed 5,000 words. The word count includes all text in the sample of work. This could be a published article or an essay from your Bachelor or Master programme, where possible relevant to Development Studies. - Core - 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:
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 information should be entered under the 'Research' section, in the fields 'Proposed Supervisor' and 'Proposed title of Research'.)