PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS)
An interdisciplinary doctoral programme focused on international development research and policy.
Best for:Excellent academics with a Master's degree in social sciences, economics, law, or geography seeking an interdisciplinary PhD.
Overview
The Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum offers a three-year, English-taught PhD programme in International Development Studies. This interdisciplinary course is embedded within the RUB Research School and involves cooperation across the faculties of Geography, Law, Social Sciences, and Economics. Candidates engage in individual research projects while participating in specialized teaching modules and research clusters. The programme emphasizes cross-disciplinary perspectives on developmental issues, including economics, political institutions, and conflict studies.
What you'll do
- Conduct an independent doctoral research project within the field of international development.
- Participate in multidisciplinary teaching modules covering developmental issues.
- Present and discuss research progress regularly within IEE Research Cluster meetings.
- Complete a field research phase, typically during the fourth semester.
- Attend training courses on research methods, statistical analysis, and generic academic skills.
- Engage in scientific writing, presentation, and professional communication seminars.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in human geography, law, social or political science, economics, development management, or related subjects.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level required.
Instruction: English
- Advanced academic degree with a minimum grade equivalent to 2.7 (German system) for 4-year degrees, or 1.3 for 3-year degrees.
- Proficiency in English at C1 level, evidenced by an official certificate (e.g., IELTS Academic 7).
- Ability to develop and submit a research proposal (max 5 pages).
- Strong interest in cross-disciplinary research.
- Applicants must hold a qualified university degree (Master's or equivalent) of at least three or four years duration.
- Candidates with three-year degrees may be required to complete preparatory studies.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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- Intake
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- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-03-31
Applications must be submitted via the official institute portal. Candidates are required to provide a research proposal following the specific guidelines available on the IEE website.
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- English language certificate
Contact
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