The Department of Global Development Studies at Queen’s University extends its innovative approach to research and teaching with its doctoral programme. This four-year PhD offers focused training and supervision to build core skills and proficiencies for development research. First, our students attain strong specialisation in the central rubrics that have shaped development studies as a field, including political economy and cultural analysis. Second, the programme grounds students in the key analytical frameworks and methodologies for conducting research on development issues. They develop core skills in designing and conducting fieldwork in cross-cultural settings and reflect on the public purposes and ethics of development research. Third, the programme cultivates strong project design and management skills for applications within and beyond academia and development practice. The degree is ideal for graduate students seeking to advance globally-orientated research in the field of development studies, particularly in the areas of political economy, cultural politics, sustainability and indigenous studies. It provides essential skills for building careers in academia and the development field, alongside positions in public sector research and policy-making, journalism, education, teaching and education, the law and the private sector.The Master’s and PhD programs are Global Development Studies is uniquely research orientated. It provides students with the critical concepts and comparative approaches that enable them to create and carry out research projects on development-related topics. This training not only equips students with the global insights and critical thinking tools necessary for further studies in the social sciences, it also gives them an edge for future careers in areas such as law, media, foreign affairs, international business and aid work. To do this, we offer a clearly defined core curriculum that guides students through essential debates in the field. In addition, we provide topics courses on a range of relevant issues that cover diverse methodological perspectives and geographical settings. Alongside courses taught within the department, students have the opportunity to take graduate courses offered by cognate departments including Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Studies, Religion and Sociology. Additionally, there is a wide array of available courses in other faculties and programs, including the Faculty of Education, School of Business, School of Policy Studies, School of Urban and Regional Planning, Cultural Studies, Industrial Relations and Public Health.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Global Development Studies

At Queen's University

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