PhD Development Policy and Management

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The Global Development Institute currently offers the following PhD programmes:

• PhD in Development Policy and Management
• PhD in Development Studies, offered via two pathways:
  • Development Studies Pathway
  • Development Economics Pathway

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2026 .

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2026 entry: 30 June 2026

Before you start your application, you must:

1. Develop your own research proposal and project title.
2. Find a supervisor by browsing our academics' profiles . We strongly encourage you to confirm that your chosen supervisor’s interests align with your proposed research and that they are willing to support your project.
3. Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor.

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents:

• A 1,500 word  PhD research proposal. Times New Roman, Font 12 (exclusive of references). Please state the word count on page 1 of the document. If over length, the submission will be returned to you.
• A copy of your Bachelor's academic transcript and certificate.
• A copy of your Master's academic transcript and certificate. If your Master's degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript.
• If you have completed more than one Bachelor's or Master's degree, please provide evidence for each. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation. If your weighted average mark or GPA is not included on these documents, please also include an official document from your university verifying this information.
• An up-to-date academic CV summarising your academic record, employment history, publications and highlighting experience demonstrating your research potential.
• The names of two academic referees, including one from your most recent institution. Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following the submission of your application form. You may wish to notify your referees to submit their references promptly, as this is part of the review process.
• A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.

As a PhD researcher in Development Policy and Management you will pursue research as part of a multidisciplinary research community in the Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Doctoral College , a part of the Global Development Institute (GDI) .

The Rory and Elizabeth Brooks Doctoral College is a world-class community of doctoral researchers contributing to socially just global development through the research of its members and their progression into leadership roles in public, private and civic institutions.

The College aims to:

• create an identity for groups of postgraduate researchers so that they feel part of a cohesive sub-community in a larger and stimulating academic community (the GDI);
• encourage all postgraduate researchers to think about the relevance of their research for policymakers, practitioners and public understanding, and to pursue opportunities to share their findings;
• provide opportunities for postgraduate researchers to gain practical skills and work experience that are beyond the opportunities provided by existing doctoral programmes (e.g. communications training, policy advocacy, public engagement, providing consultancy services to governments and other development agencies, convening and running conferences);
• enhance engagement between postgraduate researchers and academic staff in the GDI to encourage innovation and collaboration in research and teaching. This, in addition, will enable PGRs to contribute support to the learning experienced by GDI's 450-plus intake of master's students;
• facilitate PGR contributions to research within the GDI, the School and the University.

In the Global Development Institute (GDI) we are organised into seven research groups working on a range of themes. The seven research groups are:

• Digital Development;
• Migration, refugees and asylum;
• Global urban futures;
• Growth and distribution;
• Politics, governance and management;
• Global production networks, trade and labour;
• Resources, environment and development

PhD researchers make an essential contribution to the vibrant research environment that is the GDI and when you join us you can expect to be integrated into one or more of these research groups where your research will be nurtured and supported during the duration of your stay here.

• We're Europe's largest dedicated development research and teaching institute and have been at the forefront of development studies for over 60 years .
• We are home to the internationally recognised African Cities Research Consortium , Effective States and Inclusive Development and FutureDAMS research centres.
• You will be part of a vibrant research community, including our public lecture series which brings world experts, former heads of state, and leading development thinkers, to discuss current issues and research in development.

When you become a postgraduate researcher, you'll join a diverse and vibrant community of doctoral students from nearly 100 different countries, all studying within the Faculty of Humanities.

You'll be assigned to a specific research grouping that complements your research interests and have access to a variety of interdisciplinary research institutes.

Our working environments are often spacious and open plan, giving you plenty of opportunities to communicate with colleagues and staff within the School, and you will have your own desk space as well as access to our fantastic range of libraries on campus.

All our academic supervisors are research active and will support you to work on challenging research problems and develop rigorous, creative and original research.

You can expect to meet with your supervisor at least once a month to discuss progress on your project.

As a postgraduate researcher, you'll have access to a large and diverse community of internationally recognised academic experts offering an environment that will stimulate intellectual debate and development. We provide additional financial support for several activities related to your PhD, including:

• presenting at international conferences;
• attending workshops that provide relevant professional opportunities;
• conducting fieldwork in the UK and overseas.

Discover what it's really like to conduct postgraduate research at The University of Manchester on our student spotlights page.

Find out more about what it's like to undertake a postgraduate research degree at Manchester on our Humanities PGR blog .

The University of Manchester Library

Manchester is home to one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the UK and widely recognised as one of the world's greatest research libraries.

Find out more about libraries and study spaces for postgraduate research students at Manchester.

As a postgraduate researcher, you will have access to a dedicated researcher development training to support your professional development throughout your PhD journey and beyond.

Our researcher development programme will enable you to become more aware of your developing researcher identity, equipping you with the skills you need during your PhD and prepare you to integrate into the researcher community.

At every stage of your career, you will receive relevant, effective and comprehensive professional development opportunities.

methods@manchester , meanwhile, is an initiative that gives you the chance to learn from the very best in research methods expertise at Manchester and beyond.

Regular talks, workshops and other methods-related events are organised throughout the academic year, bringing in experts from across the University and externally.

Finally, taking a placement provides a great opportunity to engage in knowledge exchange and to develop professional networking opportunities for your future career development.

We have established Postgraduate Researcher Exchange programmes with a small number of institutions around the world, offering you the opportunity to visit another institution, access research resources and experience another academic culture as well as build professional networks.

Successful applicants will receive some funding towards travel expenses, accommodation, subsistence, education materials and/or other education-related costs for anything from two weeks to a three-month visit.

For more information, see Careers and employability .

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .