Key information
- Duration:
- Up to 1 year full time, 2 years part time
- Start date:
- Choose to start in September 2023 or January 2024
- Apply by:
- 1 month before start (UK), 3 months before start (international)

- 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022)
The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally, through our world-class research, learning and teaching.
Our PhD by Published Works is for you if you have:
- completed original and significant research in the field of Development Studies
- a coherent body of published works
- not had the opportunity to undertake a research programme leading to a PhD.
The portfolio of research you submit for this PhD will be of the same quality, rigour and volume as a typical PhD. The work might take the form of refereed articles, chapters, monographs and scholarly editions, as long as they are available or traceable in the public domain (and not self-published). A substantial proportion of these works will be peer-reviewed and a number will be solely authored by you. All works should ideally have been published not more than ten years before the date of submission. You’ll work with two qualified supervisors to compose an accompanying 10,000-word dissertation, summarising and explaining your work’s contribution to the development field.
We’re proud of our PhD graduates who define and solve some of the world’s most pressing global challenges in their work as:
- ministers in national governments and civil servants
- high-level officials in development organisations such as UNDP and the World Bank
- leaders of civil-society organisations including Mama Cash and Action Aid
- high-profile academics at universities across the world.
Doing a PhD at IDS can potentially transform your view of the world – you grow a lot learning from this very rich and diverse community.”Jorge Adrian Ortiz-Moreno
IDS PhD graduate
Areas of study
We welcome submissions from researchers who share our commitment to:
- upholding climate and environmental justice
- reducing extreme inequities
- fostering healthy and fulfilling lives
- nurturing inclusive, democratic and accountable societies.
We’re particularly interested in work that shows originality in addressing topics related to the work of our research clusters:
- business
- cities
- digital
- governance
- health
- impact and policy
- participation
- power
- resource politics
- rural futures.
Find out about our current PhD researchers
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our students know as soon as possible.
Masters and PhD events
Meet us on campus or online
Entry requirements
Degree requirements | You’re normally expected to have a Merit (an average of 60% overall) in a Master’s degree. |
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Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
Subject-specific requirements | Your qualification should be in a relevant social sciences subject. In exceptional circumstances, you may be considered for the degree if you have a qualification in a different subject area. You must also show evidence of substantial professional work experience and a body of published work in development-related work |
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English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
Advanced level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about IELTS
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
176 overall, including at least 169 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency
Duolingo English test
Advanced level (140 overall, with no component score below 125)
Check your Duolingo English test qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more information about Duolingo English test
Pearson PTE Academic
Advanced level (67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills)
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)
TOEFL (iBT)
Advanced level 95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL (iBT) qualification meets all of our language requirements and find out more about TOEFL (iBT)
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
Research proposal | You must provide:
Contact us to discuss your PhD by Published Works application by email: s.s.watson@ids.ac.uk |
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If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
How to apply
When completing the form, identify IDS on the application. Find out how to apply for a PhD at Sussex
Distance learning
IDS is unable to accept applications for distance learning. We believe it’s in the best interests of both PhD students and the Institute that the majority of the study period is spent at IDS. This offers the opportunity for ongoing interaction with other IDS members and students.
Our supervisors
You aren’t responsible for finding a supervisor. However, you may express a preferred supervisor on your application form. Applicants are assessed both on their academic credentials and on the relevance of their works to the research of one or more IDS Fellows.

Dr Jane Apgar
Research Fellow in Participation
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Dr Shandana Khan Mohmand
Cluster Leader/ Fellow
Contact











Prof Nicholas Nisbett
Cluster Leader/Fellow
Contact



Dr Patta Scott-Villiers
Research Fellow
Contact




Funding and fees
How can I fund my course?
Funded projects and scholarships
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals. Don’t miss out on scholarships – check the specific application deadlines for funding opportunities. Note that funded projects aren’t available for all our PhDs.
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Climate Leaders Scholarship
£3,000 scholarships available to environmental influencers bringing about real-world behaviour change
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Dr John Birch Music Scholarship (Organ)
£800 scholarship available to reward talented organ player studying on any course at Sussex.
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Dr John Birch Music Scholarships
Four scholarships of £800 are available to reward talented musicians studying on any course at Sussex.
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Sports Scholarships Scheme
Cash scholarships available for students who have demonstrated sporting excellence
Applying for USA Federal Student Aid?
If any part of your funding, at any time, is through USA federal Direct Loan funds, you will be registered on a separate version of this degree which does not include the possibility of distance learning which is prohibited under USA federal regulations. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid.
Part-time work
We advertise around 2,500 part-time jobs a year so you can make money and gain work experience. We have a special scheme to employ students on campus, wherever possible.
Find out more about careers and employability
How much does it cost?
Fees for self-funding students
Home students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2023/24. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: Fees are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2023/24. Fees will become available once set by United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
International students: £18,975 per year for full-time students
Home PhD student fees are set at the level recommended by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) annually, rising in line with inflation. Overseas fees are subject to an annual increase - see details on our tuition fees page
Additional costs
Note about additional costs
Please note that all costs are best estimates based on current market values. Activities may be subject to unavoidable change in response to Government advice. We’ll let you know at the earliest opportunity. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out how to budget for student life.
Empirical Research Costs
On top of your PhD fees and living costs, you may also need to cover some research and training costs, relevant to your research project. These costs will depend on your research topic and training needs, but may include:
- travel (to archives, collections or scientific facilities)
- a laptop
- overseas fieldwork costs (travel and accommodation, and language training)
- conference costs (travel, registration fees and accommodation)
- laboratory consumables and workshop materials
- participant costs
- transcription or translation costs
- open-access publication costs.
If you have a scholarship from one of the UK Research Councils, your scholarship should cover these types of costs. You'll receive details of how to claim this additional funding.
IDS and the University of Sussex cannot offer financial support. If you need financial assistance, contact your local Ministry of Education or Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the British Council representative.
For the latest information on fees, funding and scholarships, visit the University of Sussex website.