International Development ​PhD/PhD by Published works​​

Key Facts

  • Level

    Postgraduate

  • Duration

    PhD: Full Time 2 years - 4 years or Part Time 3 years - 6 years

    PhD by Published Works: Part Time 1 year - 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


​If you are a graduate in International Development or a related discipline, this International Development PhD by Published Works 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.

Find out more here:

The closing dates for applications for the October intake is the 1 August and for the March intake is the 11 December.

Updated 16/04/2024

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

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​
  • 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. 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.

    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.

    All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

    • successful interview by the University
    • suitable Research Supervision Support

    To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.​

  • 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

    Please visit the funding pages and our scholarship pages for more details on how to fund your study.

    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

Staff


Placeholder image for Eddie Tembo, Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations
Eddie Tembo

Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations


Faculty of Business and Law

Discover

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 ​