| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-03-01 | - |
Program Overview
International Development PhD
Key Facts
- Level: PostgraduatePG PhD
- Duration: PhD: Full Time 2 years - 4 years or Part Time 3 years - 6 years
- Starting: October, March
- UK Fees: See Fees and Funding
- International Fees: See Fees and Funding
- Location: Waterside
Overview
The International Development PhD programme offers an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and research skills. Successful oral defence (viva voce) of the final thesis will provide the researcher with the highest qualification that any UK university can award. As a PhD researcher, you’ll join our renowned globally diverse research community with access to research and teaching opportunities, as well as a substantial series of seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.
Highlights
- The University of Northampton hosts a thriving and cosmopolitan community of researchers working on global development issues
- Realise your potential to define and solve pressing global forces and transform the world with your research impact
- The University of Northampton is committed to encouraging new thinking in the fields of International development
- Regular research seminars, conferences and research activities led by our Research Centre and the Graduate School
Entry Requirements
- We normally require a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, or a UK masters degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject area.
- Other Entry Requirements: In exceptional cases we may accept applicants on an individual basis who do not meet these criteria if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.
- All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
- All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview by the University
- suitable Research Supervision Support
English Language Requirements
- Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.
- If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS at 7.0, with no component less than 6.5 (or equivalent). Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.
Course Content
- Studying for a degree by research with our Faculty of Business and law means being part of an active research and practitioner community that will support you in accomplishing your academic goals.
- Undertaking a PhD in International Development, you will have the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors within an active research environment with a focus on real world impact, leading to a thesis of original contribution.
- You will take a number of research workshops and regular open research seminars held by our Graduate School that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.
- While based in the Faculty of Business and Law, International Development doctoral students will have opportunities to draw from expertise across the University’s different Faculties for the purposes of supervision and research collaboration.
- This course is unique to the University of Northampton. We can supervise topics including:
- Development economics
- Development and international relations
- Institutions and actors in development
- Alternative development pathways
- Development and peace/conflict
- Development and consumer society
Fees and Funding
- 2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK – Full Time: £5,700
- UK – Part Time: £2,845
- International – Full Time: £16,350
- International – Part Time: £7,640
- Scholarships and Bursaries: Please visit the funding pages and our scholarship pages for more details on how to fund your study.
Staff
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- Senior Lecturer in International Development Faculty of Business and Law
- Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Mgmt Faculty of Business and Law
- Associate Professor in Social & Cultural Change Faculty of Business and Law
- Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations Faculty of Business and Law
- Senior Lecturer in Economics Faculty of Business and Law
- Senior Lecturer in International Development Faculty of Business and Law
Careers and Employability
- A research degree from the University of Northampton will further develop your understanding of the world and how society is organised, with specific focus on violence and conflict, the role of aid, refugees and forced migration.
- Graduates leave with a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical skills and cultural awareness.
Facilities
- Our PhD students have access to exceptional research facilities such as:
- Dedicated PhD study area with computer and printer in the Learning Hub
- Teaching and Research Assistant opportunities should you meet the requirement
- Spacious individual and group working space and discussion areas
- Well-equipped library with access to academic e-books, journal articles and learning resources for on-site and off-site study
- Library and Learning support for PhD students
- Skills support for PhD students
- Opportunities for research collaboration with staff and students
- Excellent social groups for student meetings and engagement
Related Courses
- International Relations MA
- Politics and International Relations BA (Hons)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The International Development PhD by Published Works program is designed for graduates in International Development or a related discipline. It offers an opportunity to expand knowledge and research skills, culminating in a final thesis that, upon successful oral defense (viva voce), awards the highest qualification a UK university can offer. The program provides access to a globally diverse research community, research and teaching opportunities, and seminars presented by leading development professionals and practitioners.
Teaching:
The program involves original research conducted under the guidance of academic supervisors within an active research environment. Students participate in research workshops and regular open research seminars held by the Graduate School, enhancing discipline-specific and transferable skills. While based in the Faculty of Business and Law, International Development doctoral students can draw on expertise across the University's different Faculties for supervision and research collaboration.
Careers:
Graduates develop a deeper understanding of the world and societal organization, with a focus on violence and conflict, the role of aid, refugees, and forced migration. They acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness.
Other:
The program is unique to the University of Northampton. Supervision is available for topics including:
- Development economics
- Development and international relations
- Institutions and actors in development
- Alternative development pathways
- Development and peace/conflict
- Development and consumer society
2024/25 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) UK – Full Time: £5,500 UK – Part Time: £2,775 International – Full Time: £15,950 International – Part Time: £7,450 Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works UK – Part Time: £3,500 International – Part Time: £7,650 2023/24 Tuition Fees Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil) UK – Full Time: £5,340 UK – Part Time: £2,695 International – Full Time: £15,480 International – Part Time: £7,245 Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works UK – Part Time: £3,400 International – Part Time: £7,460
University of Northampton
Overview:
University of Northampton is a public university located in Northampton, England. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as continuing professional development courses. The university is known for its focus on social impact and its commitment to creating a better society through its students, research, and engagement with the wider world.
Services Offered:
The university provides a variety of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus halls of residence are available for students.Employment Promise:
The university offers an employment promise to help students find work after graduation.Student Perks:
Students receive various perks, including laptops, trips, and internships.Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students, including academic, wellbeing, and accessibility support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University of Northampton can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university has a modern campus with a full range of integrated learning environments, including a 24/7 library and learning zone. Students can participate in a variety of clubs and societies, and there are numerous events and activities throughout the year.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Social Impact Focus:
The university is committed to making a positive impact on society through its research and engagement.Modern Campus:
The university has a new, modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities.Employment Promise:
The university's employment promise helps students find work after graduation.Student Support:
The university provides comprehensive support services to students.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Programs in various fields, including business, sport, nursing, law, psychology, computing, and design.Master's:
Programs in various fields, including business, education, health, and social work.Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
Courses designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.Other:
The university has a strong focus on research and has several research institutes and centers. It also has a strong commitment to equality and inclusion and provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Entry Requirements:
- Academic Qualifications:
- UK Students: A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, or a UK masters degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject area.
- International Students: A UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, or a UK masters degree or its international equivalent in a relevant subject area. In exceptional cases, applicants who do not meet these criteria may be considered on an individual basis if they show evidence of a strong Masters degree and/or appropriate level of relevant work experience.
- Interview: All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
- Research Supervision Support: All offers of a place on the programme are subject to suitable Research Supervision Support.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- English as a Second Language: If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS at 7.0, with no component less than 6.5 (or equivalent). Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.
