Support the Centre of Development Studies
The University of Cambridge maintains its world-leading excellence through the commitment and generosity of its friends and supporters. Our 800-year history is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy.
Donate directly to the Centre of Development Studies
A Legacy of Innovation
Our tradition of development research dates back to the 1930s, when the "founding fathers" of the field studied at Cambridge as graduate students under John Maynard Keynes. Today, this legacy continues through a vibrant interdisciplinary network spanning Economics, Social and Political Sciences, Social Anthropology, Geography, Land Economy, the Judge Business School, and Centres of African, South Asia and Latin American Studies.
Growth and Collaboration
For several decades, the MPhil in Development Studies was successfully governed by the Development Studies Committee. In January 2012, recognizing the program's significant achievements and the growing demand for advanced research, the University formally established the Centre of Development Studies.
This milestone included the launch of our PhD in Development Studies and the provision of a dedicated home within the Alison Richard Building. This space was intentionally designed to foster collaborative thinking and deep interaction between Development Studies, POLIS, and the Centres of African, Latin American, and South Asian Studies.
Our Mission: Interdisciplinary Excellence
The Centre continues to grow, attracting an increasing number of global applicants. Our curriculum evolves constantly to reflect the changing realities of the developing world and the professional requirements of the development field.
We pride ourselves on a nurturing learning environment and a diverse student body - with roughly equal numbers of students coming from regions throughout the developed and developing world. In the field of development studies this diversity of experience and insight is invaluable in ensuring a successful course, forcing the students to consider the practical, on-the-ground application of theories of development.
Our Funding Priorities
To maintain our global standing and the quality of our teaching, we focus on two key areas:
Student Support: Our top priority is securing studentships. We aim to ensure that the most talented students from around the world can complete our MPhil and PhD programmes, regardless of their personal or financial circumstances.
Academic Excellence: To provide a comprehensive education, we employ a wide range of affiliated lecturers and visiting fellows who are leaders in their disciplines. To continue to be able to fund the quality of teaching that our students deserve, we depend on the generosity of benefactors.
How to Give
The University has made it simple to support our work directly through the Cambridge Campaign website. Your contribution directly impacts the next generation of development leaders.