The department is a lively community that is recognised internationally as one of the top centres for research and teaching in development studies.

Our courses offer excellent training for a career in international development or for advanced study, and attract students of the highest calibre from across the world.
“I had waited for 10 years before my dream to study in Oxford became a reality and the experience was truly beyond expectation”
Our students are taught to develop as critical and independent thinkers and when they leave us they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to bring about real change.
“My time at Oxford strengthened my critical analysis and provided me with a unique interdisciplinary grounding in history, politics and economics that has equipped me well in dealing with public policy issues and program development strategy.”
Our courses offer excellent training for a career in international development or for advanced study, and attract students of the highest calibre from across the world.
“I had waited for 10 years before my dream to study in Oxford became a reality and the experience was truly beyond expectation”
Our courses offer excellent training for a career in international development or for advanced study, and attract students of the highest calibre from across the world.
“I had waited for 10 years before my dream to study in Oxford became a reality and the experience was truly beyond expectation”
Our students are taught to develop as critical and independent thinkers and when they leave us they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to bring about real change.
“My time at Oxford strengthened my critical analysis and provided me with a unique interdisciplinary grounding in history, politics and economics that has equipped me well in dealing with public policy issues and program development strategy.”
Our students are taught to develop as critical and independent thinkers and when they leave us they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to bring about real change.
“My time at Oxford strengthened my critical analysis and provided me with a unique interdisciplinary grounding in history, politics and economics that has equipped me well in dealing with public policy issues and program development strategy.”
Fieldwork Photo: Greta Semplici, DPhil in International Development
Fieldwork Photo: Deborah Walnicki, MPhil in Development Studies 2016-18
Fieldwork Photo: Siyao Mao, MPhil in Development Studies 2016-18
Research Photo: Young Lives / Antonio Fiorente
Our research takes a long-term perspective to investigate problems and processes of development. Our work challenges assumptions, drawing on multiple disciplines and cross-country comparisons to generate new thinking that is helping to bring about change.
Click on the icons to find out how our research is exploring some of the most pressing issues of our time.
We are a research-intensive graduate department offering two DPhils, an MPhil and four one-year MSc courses. We provide a supportive and welcoming environment to some 250 students from across the world.