The IGDC runs an interdisciplinary PhD programme in Global Development which allows students to explore a global challenge in substantial detail. The programme is undertaken over three years (or six years for part-time students) with a further maximum of one year allowable for writing up and progression points at the end of year 1 and year 2. 

Students on the programme normally have two supervisors from different departments to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to major global challenges. Throughout the three years they will guide you through the process of clarifying and completing your doctoral thesis. Students will take two modules in the first year ‘Political Research and Analysis’ and ‘Personal and Professional Skills’ and depending on their project and research experience may take additional training provided by the University of York’s Building Research and Innovation Capacity Team, the Library and Archives, IT Services and the Academic Skills Community, such as quantitative methods, including original data collection and secondary data analysis, and qualitative methods including interviews, focus groups, media analysis and archival data. Students also have the opportunity to enrol in any taught modules offered by the supervisors’ departments and other departments in related fields of enquiry and may apply for teaching opportunities in the supervisors’ departments. 

Most students will undertake a period of fieldwork in the second year for which we offer some financial support. They will join a vibrant ‘global development’ PhD student network which organises reading groups and other events, and will have the opportunity to hear leading academics and development practitioners from around the world in seminars, webinars, workshops and conferences organised by the IGDC. 

We encourage applications from outstanding candidates who are committed to addressing major global development challenges through interdisciplinary research. We are particularly keen on supporting PhD projects that fit within our research priorities of Social Justice, Global Health, and Sustainable Environments and that respect our commitment to global justice.

Applicants will have to design their own research proposal which should include the following:

  • A working title
  • A brief overview of the general area of study
  • Identification of the relevant literature, theories and concepts and indication how the project relates to the existing literature - will it challenge or add to it?
  • Key research questions
  • Methodology
  • Timescale / research planning
  • Bibliography

The proposal should be between 1,500-2,000 words in length (this total includes all of the elements listed above).

We strongly encourage those interested in the programme to discuss a draft research proposal with one or more potential supervisors before making an online application. A list of potential supervisors and information about their research area can be found here (Directors, Centre Team and IGDC members – note that associate lecturers and research assistants cannot supervise PhD projects) They will be happy to give you advice on the feasibility of your research ideas and offer feedback on a draft proposal. To aid the timely processing of your application, it is extremely useful to indicate your preferred supervisor(s) on your submission.

Applicants will need a good (2:1 minimum) undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, and normally a Masters (MA or MSc) degree, either already awarded or expected. The discipline of the first and master’s degrees will vary according to the intended area of research, but examples include development studies, politics, modern history, economics and environmental science. 

Non-native English speaking applicants must provide evidence of English language ability but some exceptions apply, see here

  • IELTS: 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component
  • PTE Academic: 61 with no less than 55 in each component
  • CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176 with no less than 169 in each component
  • TOEFL: 87 with a minimum of 21 in each component
  • Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all requirements
  • Duolingo: 110 minimum 100 in all other components

Information about fees for national and international students can be found here. There are no specific scholarships for this programme but we encourage applicants to apply for the White Rose Social Sciences DTP  or if their project is more arts and humanities-focussed the White Rose College of the Arts and Humanities DTP both of which have a January deadline.  Students from certain Commonwealth countries can also apply for a Commonwealth PhD scholarship. Further suggestions for funding can be found here.

Apply Here

For all enquiries regarding this course please email igdc@york.ac.uk

Contact us

Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre

igdc@york.ac.uk
01904 323716
Department of Politics and International Relations, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Contact us

Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre

igdc@york.ac.uk
01904 323716
Department of Politics and International Relations, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
Twitter