Development Studies
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD, MPhil | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 2 - 6 years | October, January, April, July | £5006 per year | £18550 per year |
About Development Studies, PhD - at Swansea University
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.
Entry requirements
Contact Swansea University to find course entry requirements.
Why study at Swansea University
There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.
- Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
- Ranked within the Top 300 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2025)
- Voted 6th safest city in England and Wales (Complete University Guide 2024)
- UK Top 10 of the People and Planet University League (Times Good University Guide 2025)
Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.
Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.