Development Studies seeks to understand how societies, regions and communities change. The subject critically examines the policies and practices of governments, NGOs, international donors and other development agents to facilitate social transformation and improve the quality of life in so-called "developing" countries.

Our programme brings together students from diverse academic, professional and cultural backgrounds. Our high-quality academic training will give you a strong foundation to take on some of the most pressing issues facing humanity, such as hunger, poverty, social injustice and rising inequality.

Development Studies at the University of Auckland was placed in the top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.

We welcome PhD research proposals in areas such as:

• Community-driven development
• Gender, health and education
• Migration and displacement
• Land policies and land grabbing
• Climate adaptation and mitigation
• Post-disaster response and recovery
• Tourism and development

We look forward to your contribution to the intellectual life and research profile of Development Studies.