Ph.D. in International Development Studies

The Doctor of Philosophy in International Development Studies, Canada’s first dedicated interdisciplinary doctoral degree program in international development studies, accepts students with a masters degree from disciplinary backgrounds related to IDS. The general focus of all PhD in IDS dissertation research must be in the area of the political economy of development, with sub-specialization in gender, environment, trade, labour, education, or another sub-area.

Admission to the program is based on academic preparation (normally a first class masters degree), field or professional experience, letters of reference, a letter of intent and CV, and a 2,500 research plan detailing the intended doctoral research to be carried out. Admission is competitive and based on the application and the availability of supervision in the student’s research plan area.

There are two seminars—one on theory, one on methods—in the first year, at the end of which the student must publicly defend a comprehensive thesis proposal before being allowed to continue into the second, dissertation research year. The minimum time to completion is three years. Substantial financial support is available to entering students.