Development Studies Research PhD

Our Natural Resource Institute (NRI) in Medway provides an ideal environment for innovative and original research in development studies.

Research in development studies gives you the opportunity to investigate key global social-scientific areas, such as sustainable development, economic growth and poverty reduction, primarily in developing countries.

The NRI has a rapidly growing programme of research at PhD level on interdisciplinary topics relating to development in the South and in Europe. The Livelihoods and Institutions Department works on themes related to natural resources, environment and development, while the Food and Markets Department works on economics-based issues of development.

The institute provides a vibrant research environment in development studies. It hosts students from around the world with backgrounds in research, government and non-governmental organisations. We also encourage students to network with peers from other universities in the UK.

Teaching

This course allows you to follow a structured route into scientific research. Research students are provided with a supervisory team to guide you through your research project. Your supervisors are usually research staff from within the faculty, although we may appoint from another department or from outside the university if suitable.

Careers and placements

Graduates from the PhD programmes can pursue a wide range of career opportunities in industry, government and academia.

Applicants should have: a taught Master’s degree, with a minimum average of 60% in all areas of assessment (e.g. Merit) level or above, in a generic subject area relevant to the subject matter of the proposed research project, and/or a First Class or Second Class, First Division (Upper Second Class) Honours degree in a subject(s) areas relevant to the proposed research project. In addition to the above, applicants whose first language is not English must also meet the English Language requirement, which is: a Bachelors or Master’s degree transcript from the UK or UKVI recognised Majority English Speaking Country (MESC).