Welcome to the Centre of Development Studies
Welcome to the Centre of Development Studies
The University of Cambridge has been at the forefront of development research since the 1930s, when the forefathers of the field studied under John Maynard Keynes. Over the following eight decades, this rich tradition grew across diverse disciplines—from economics, politics and geography to social anthropology, business and the social sciences—fostering a uniquely broad intellectual environment.
Our Evolution
Originally operating as the Development Studies Committee, the Centre of Development Studies was formally established in 2012 within the Department of Politics and International Studies (POLIS). This transition solidified our role as an independent hub for interdisciplinary excellence, maintaining deep collaborative ties with our partner area centres in POLIS:
Our Mission
Today, the Centre serves as the University’s primary focus for MPhil and PhD research in development. We bridge the gap between rigorous academic theory and the shifting practical realities of the developing world. Our training is designed to be as dynamic as the field itself, equipping students for influential careers in:
Policy-making and Research
National and Multilateral Institutions
NGOs, the Private Sector, and Global Business
We continue to evolve our curriculum to meet the changing demands of the global landscape, ensuring our graduates are prepared to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.