Development Studies, Ph.D. / M.Phil.

A PhD or MPhil in Development Studies at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and interests. It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time. You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). Our dynamic research environment is driven by committed staff who are all active researchers with a diverse range of interests and expertise through our Research Groups: Global Drug Policy Observatory (GDPO) International Studies, Conflict and Security (ISCAS) Political Analysis and Government (PAG) This expertise includes: • Human rights and International development • International security and strategic studies • Conflict • Politics and International development • Transitional justice and international crimes • International development policy You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of development studies, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference. You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you will receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

International students: £18,550 per year

UK students: £5,006 per year

Apr or Jul 2026

Rolling admissions – apply as early as possible

• Singleton Park Campus, United Kingdom