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.”
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”
The application process for our courses starts in September for admission in October of the following year.
Photo: Keith Barnes
You can find lots of useful information on study in Oxford, selection criteria for admission, the roles of faculties, departments and colleges in graduate study, the costs of study, methods of application, and scholarships and funding on the University’s Graduate Admissions webpages.
The University prefers to receive applications via its Online Application Form; before you complete your application, please make sure that you refer to the University's Application Guide.
Course | November | January |
DPhil in International Development | Yes | Yes |
DPhil in Migration Studies | Yes | Yes |
MPhil in Development Studies | Yes | Yes |
MSc in Economics for Development | No | Yes |
MSc in Global Governance & Diplomacy | No | Yes |
MSc in Migration Studies | Yes | Yes |
MSc in Refugee & Forced Migration Studies | Yes | Yes |
The deadlines for 2023-24 entry applications are 12 noon (ie midday) UK time on:
Please see the Graduate Admissions webpages and Application Guide for full information on deadline dates. Any changes to deadlines will be announced on the Graduate Admissions webpages.
We welcome applications from all over the world. Whether you are from the UK or overseas, the application procedure is the same. You can find specific information for overseas applicants on the main University webpages for international students.
Oxford has been a fascinating, challenging and truly transformative experience. The mix of cultures in every classroom, dining hall, and college common room has been enlightening ... and I have learned as much from my peers as I have from world leaders across different fields and disciplines.