The Institute of Development Studies (IDS) delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.
No. 1 world ranking
IDS is ranked first in the world for development studies by the QS University Rankings, together with the University of Sussex.
IDS degrees are delivered in partnership with the University of Sussex who support and accredit our teaching and learning programmes.
The QS University Rankings put Sussex top, above Harvard and Oxford. Sussex has now been best in the world for development studies for four out of the past eight years.
Find out more about our rankings.
Make a difference to global transformations
IDS offers nine master’s degrees, three of which are offered jointly with the University of Sussex, a PhD by Research and a PhD by Published Works.
Students and researchers at IDS come from all over the globe and are united in their commitment to help solve real-world problems such as disease, climate change and conflict.
Our degrees are taught by some of the world’s leading development experts, many of whom are active in the field as researchers and practitioners and who bring this valuable experience of applied research into the classroom.
Graduates have gone on to take up senior positions in global organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations, and in leading civil society organisations, as well as become Ministers and officials in national governments across the world. In 2018, alum Carlos Alvarado Quesada was elected as President of Costa Rica.