PhD in International Development Studies (PhD IDS)

The PhD in International Development Studies (IDS) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an international, interdisciplinary three-year programme offered by the Institute of Development Research and Development Policy (IEE). It draws on expertise from the Faculties of Geography, Law, Social Sciences, and Economics, enabling candidates to engage with developmental issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Teaching modules address topics such as development economics, political institutions, conflict and democracy, and economics and culture. These are complemented by courses on research methods and statistical analysis. Each participant works on an individual research project supervised by a professor holding a post in one of the participating faculties. Projects are regularly presented and discussed within the IEE Research Clusters. Candidates also have access to generic skills courses offered through the RUB Research School, covering scientific writing, presentation, and professional communication. The programme runs for six semesters and begins in the winter semester. Around five to eight candidates are admitted each year. The programme is embedded within the RUB Research School framework and is taught entirely in English. Applicants must submit a research proposal of up to five pages as part of the application process. The PhD IDS is located at Ruhr-Universität Bochum in Bochum, Germany.