Select a currency

Search by currency code or name

    University of Birmingham, England

    PhD in International Development PhD

    United Kingdom3 yearsTaught in EnglishOpen to international students

    Why students choose this program

    • Taught in English
    • Applications currently open

    Introduction

    The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

    Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

    Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.

    About the Program

    The PhD in International Development is a 3-year doctoral program for students with a Master's degree, taught in English at the University of Birmingham, England. It helps students gain expertise in international development.

    The curriculum includes subjects like development theory, research methods, and policy analysis. Students develop skills in critical thinking, research design, and data analysis, with hands-on components like fieldwork and case studies.

    Graduates can pursue careers as Development Managers, Policy Analysts, Research Consultants, or Program Evaluators, working for organizations like the United Nations, NGOs, or government agencies.

    Planning the visa? United Kingdom student visa: cost, requirements and processing time (from $1,760 all-in)

    English Test Requirement

    This program asks forIELTS 8.0+. Here's what that's worth on the other tests universities accept, based on the official concordance tables:

    Duolingo

    English Test · fastest & cheapest

    140–150

    Take the Duolingo TestWe earn a referral credit
    TOEFL iBT
    110–114
    PTE Academic
    79–82
    CEFR level
    C1
    Convert your own score

    Equivalences are approximate — confirm the exact test and score the program accepts.

    IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band

    Related Programs You Can Apply To

    Direct application via Global Admissions is not available for this program. Browse similar partner programs below or visit the university's site to apply directly.

    Edit Program

    Related Blog Posts

    Show More Blog Posts →

    Complete your profile to unlock

    Direct application links unlock once your profile is at least 80% complete. You're currently at 0%. It only takes a minute.