Doctor of Philosophy in Global Development Studies

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.

To apply to the MA or PhD program in Global Development Studies, applicants must complete the Queen's University School of Graduate Studies on-line application form and pay the application fee. Due to funding constraints, international applicants must secure a firm supervisory commitment from a DEVS faculty member prior to applying. Information regarding the online application process can be found on the School of Graduate Studies website. To complete the online application, you will need to include the following information in your application:

A short description of your research interests in global development studies for the Research Interests section. Be sure to indicate clearly why you consider Global Development Studies at Queen's University to be a good fit to pursue research in your main interest areas.
Two academic referees: if you have been out of university for more than 5 years, one or more professional recommendations may be included. Please note: Your referees will not receive an email with a link to Queen's secure online reference form system until you submit your application. We do allow a grace period after the January 31 deadline for recommendations and transcripts to be submitted.
Two hard copies of official transcripts from all university-level institutions you have previously attended. To be sent to School of Graduate Studies. Please review updated submission options as listed on the School of Graduate Studies website.
At Queen's, English is the language of instruction and communication, except for the language departments. Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for admission. Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will need to earn satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test as part of the application process, and before final acceptance is granted. Any applicant whose first language is not English, but who, within the 12 month period prior to the month of application, has studied for at least one complete year at a post-secondary institution where English is the official language of instruction, may submit with their application a request to be exempted from the English language proficiency test requirement. The Director of Admissions, School of Graduate Studies, will review the request. The applicant will be informed of the results of the review. For more information, please review the regulations as outlined on the School of Graduate Studies website
In addition to submitting an application through the application portal, applicants will need to send the following in PDF format to the Academic Programs Assistant:

MA and PhD applicants must submit a sample of academic writing, preferably a short research essay (approximately 10 pages).
PhD applicants also must submit a two-page research proposal and a CV.
For international students, if required, TOEFL iBT minimum scores of: writing (24/30), speaking (22/30), reading (22/30), listening (20/30), for a total of 88/120. Applicants must have the minimum score in each test as well as the minimum overall score. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - score of 7 on the academic module