The MPhil and PhD research programmes involve self-selected academic study in development, focusing on its political, economic, social and institutional dimensions.

They embrace the DPU’s central research interests:
- an interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral approach to urban planning, urban design, economic development, social development, housing, disasters, transport and urban agriculture
- cross-cutting issues such as gender, culture, environment and poverty
- trends such as globalisation, privatisation, climate change and increased socioeconomic inequalities
Why choose The Bartlett?
We offer:
- access to a large range of world-class libraries, including those in UCL and other universities, and the British Library
- easy access to a vast array of specialised lectures, conferences and other events relevant to DPU's research students around central London
- the chance to gain a thorough knowledge of a particular subject area and an in-depth exploration of an empirical reality
- equal emphasis on both the process and content of research, within the very highest standards of scholarship and academic rigour
About the course
The MPhil and PhD research programmes are self-selected academic study in international, national, regional and urban development. Successful PhD research in UCL should make a distinct contribution to knowledge.
Most doctoral research includes a period of fieldwork in a country relevant to the research, during which the PhD candidate acquires a thorough knowledge of the context and collects primary data.
Students
DPU is committed to offering the highest quality education at the MPhil and PhD levels. Our programmes are highly competitive, with successful applicants coming from a wide range of backgrounds. The DPU’s staff and student body hail from every corner of the globe, bringing together a diversity of interests, experiences, and knowledge.
For profiles of our current PhD and MPhil students, please visit our People pages. Within these pages you can also view the latest achievements of our current and recent PhD students.
More information
- Find out more about the programme's structure, funding opportunities and the facilities on offer
- Browse through a selection of Development Planning PhD theses
- Visit the programme overview page for core course information.
- Still can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch with either the Programme Director, Colin Marx or Programme Assistant Michael Casey-Gillman.