PhD students will work alongside their Supervisor, specified at the application stage. Typically, students will meet with their primary Supervisor at least once a term to review their research, ensure their submission timeline is on track as well as discuss any issues the student may have during the course of their programme. Students will also be assigned a Postgraduate Advisor, both as a secondary point of contact and to provide cover in the Primary Supervisor's absence.

Students are encouraged to complete a self-assessment once a term via their self-service account. Supervisors will also write a report on the students' progress once a term. 

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University's expectations regarding supervision.

Students are also encouraged to attend a wide range of seminars and other events that are organised by the Centre of Development Studies and departments throughout the University, such as the Social Sciences Research Methods Centre. Some Development Studies seminar sessions are reserved for PhD students to give a presentation on their own research. This is a great opportunity to develop presentation skills and receive valuable feedback from both senior academics and peers relating to their thesis. Centre of Development Studies seminars are usually held weekly during Michaelmas and Lent Terms, and are approximately 2 hours in duration.

The mandatory Research Methods course held during the first year has weekly classes throughout Michaelmas Term, which are approximately 2 hours in duration. Students are also invited to attend open lectures held in the Centre, the department, and across the University. Details of these will be available on the University virtual learning environment, Moodle, sent via email, or advertised across the campus.