Development Research Division | South African‐German Centre for Development Research and Criminal Justice

The DRD offers the opportunity for PhD studies in the fields of Development Studies Governance, Public Policy and Public Management. The PhD programme is presented in conjunction with the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy at the Ruhr-University, Bochum, Germany. There will be a taught component which will take place in Germany and a thesis component. The information provided in the following section is mainly related to the PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS) of Ruhr-University Bochum which offers the taught component of the programme. During the next couple of years it is planned to offer the taught component at UWC too.

Starting from winter 2007, the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy offers an international English-language PhD program in International Development Studies. It is implemented by the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy on behalf of the Faculties of Geography, Law, Social Science, and Economics. Annually up to 12 PhD candidates are accepted to the program. The program builds on three fundamental pillars: It is a structured PhD-program with a strong interdisciplinary and international focus.

The duration of each program cycle is three years including a field research period of up to six months. Participants can choose from a variety of tailor-made teaching modules while at the same time working on their own research projects. A supervisor is assigned to each research project. All supervisors of the PhD candidates hold professorial posts in the faculties involved. Regular Research Colloquiums provide an opportunity for all participants to present their research to a broader audience.

Candidates with an above-average advanced degree in Human Geography, Law, Social or Political Science, Economics, Development Management or related subjects from all over the world who wish to attain a further academic qualification through a research project related to "International Development Studies" and would like to be member of an international and interdisciplinary research group are invited to apply for a place in our new PhD program.

The deadline for the intake in 2011 has expired. The next deadline for the intake in 2012 (starting in November 2012) will be 30 April 2012. The DRD-SA offers two PhD scholarships to well qualified students from Sub-Sahara Africa. We award these scholarships in a competitive procedure purely on academic merit and qualification. Scholarships include monthly allowances of 900 Euro plus travel allowances for PhD candidates.

For detailed information please have a look at the PhD IDS brochure.