MPhil in Development Studies

"A subsistence fisherwoman at the beginning of the evening shift. She wears a t-shirt from a protest march that reads; “Save the People Save the Oceans No to Oil & Gas Exploration” by Nikita Hiralal, PhD candidate.

"A subsistence fisherwoman at the beginning of the evening shift. She wears a t-shirt from a protest march that reads; “Save the People Save the Oceans No to Oil & Gas Exploration” by Nikita Hiralal, PhD candidate.

MPhil in Development Studies (October 2027 intake)

Course Overview

The MPhil in Development Studies provides interdisciplinary training designed to meet the evolving realities of global development and the professional requirements of the field.

The programme delivers a firm grounding in the political economics of development, integrating the study of sociology, political science, law, economics and anthropology. Our close links with the Centre of African Studies, The Centre of Latin American Studies and The Centre of South Asian Studies allow students to apply a unique comparative lens to their research.

Our Interdisciplinary Approach

We believe that no critical issue in development—including poverty, inequality, population growth, institutional construction, war, human rights, or democratization—can be fully understood through a single lens. Our approach combines modern analytical rigor with a multifaceted perspective, providing a framework for students to construct a pathway suited to their specific interests.

Whether you are preparing for a professional career or doctoral-level research, you can select either a broad set of subjects or a specialized track to fulfil your intellectual interests and career goals.

Course Structure and Requirements

The MPhil consists of one compulsory core paper, two optional modules, and a 15,000 word dissertation.

  • Core Paper: "Intellectual Traditions of Development" - Taught collectively by Centre lecturers during the Michaelmas Term. This paper covers major approaches and themes in development thinking and practice.
  • Optional Modules: In the Lent Term, students select two out of 6–8 optional papers (capped at 25 students each). These modules provide a "deep dive" into specific themes introduced during the core paper.
  • In-Person Written Exam: All students will take an in-person written exam based on topics covered in the core paper.
  • Assessment Essay: All students will complete a single 5,000-word essay. This essay (due at the beginning of Easter Term) focuses on one topic from a range of questions based on the optional papers. Find more information on the Options page of the 'Core Paper Description (PDF).
  • The Dissertation: Students apply with a dissertation proposal and submit a 15,000-word final dissertation toward the end of Easter Term. The MPhil in Development Studies is a 9-month course. Students are discouraged from incorporating complex primary-data gathering in their research plans. It is strongly recommended that dissertation research should not involve fieldwork. The process of putting in applications for the necessary permissions is a lengthy one, and not the best use of limited time. Important: Research carried out for the purpose of the dissertation must receive approval by the Ethics Committee before commencement of the research, otherwise, the dissertation cannot be accepted.

Academic Rigor and Critical Engagement

Our curriculum includes a wide range of perspectives on politics and international relations. Many topics are subject to intense controversy, and students will regularly encounter contrasting or contentious arguments.

Inclusion of a text on a reading list or in lecture material does not constitute an endorsement of its content. We expect Cambridge students to engage with all materials critically, carefully examining and—where appropriate—challenging evidence and arguments.