Economics of development and structural change

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

Uneven development between countries can be attributed to structural differences in how their economies are organised and depend on each other. Sectors in developing countries have, for example, traditionally focused on activities such as mining and agriculture, in contrast to manufacturing in developed countries. Under structural change, transformations take place in the relative proportions between sectors. Students are invited to submit thesis proposals that examine the role of structural change in development. Possible topic areas include:

  • Global Value Chains: the impacts on development of low and high value sectors in developing countries.
  • Labour and Gender: sectoral distribution of low wage employment between male and female workers.
  • Financialisation: impact of growing financial (service) sectors.
  • Industrial and corporate restructuring: how company takeovers and mergers impact on industrial structures.
  • The role of the state: how industrial sectors are shaped by governmental structures.

We welcome applications from students interested in using qualitative or quantitative methods (e.g. case studies and input-output analysis), combined with an enthusiasm for international political economy and critical theoretical thinking. Students will join a vibrant and growing community of academics and PhD students in the Open Political Economy (OPEG) Group at the OU.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £11,958 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £5,979 per year

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

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How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

A Shipman

Email: FASS-Econ-PG-Admissions
Phone: +44 (0)1908 659656

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.