No. 1 world ranking
The QS University Rankings 2021 ranked IDS, together with the University of Sussex, first in the world for development studies for the fifth year running. Additionally, IDS was ranked first out of 128 international development policy think tanks in the 2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, for the second consecutive year.
Collaborative, user-centred learning
For our bespoke learning activities, we work with organisations to design and deliver learning solutions that support staff development, benefit other departments and partner organisations, and take the impact of your work to the next level.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for learning provision. It will depend on your organisation’s size, structure, strategy and goals. Together we can help bring about a direct positive impact.
Online and self-guided learning
We deliver a range of successful online and self-guided courses, from trade policy to social protection, and impact evaluation to sustainable development.
We are expert in a wide range of themes and geographies
Established in 1966 as Britain’s first international training Institute, we have extensive experience in facilitating high quality executive education and learning programmes that cover a vast range of concepts, issues, themes and geographies.
We work with individuals and organisations at the forefront of social change
Together, we can influence social change for better lives globally. The Institute of Development Studies delivers world-class research, learning and teaching that transforms the knowledge, action and leadership needed for more equitable and sustainable development globally.
Accelerate your career prospects
Learning with IDS enhances your professional development, equipping you with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to advance or expand your professional career and attain your career goals.
Join a thriving global community
When you or your organisation learn with us you become part of a worldwide network that links hundreds of development professionals and practitioners all united in their commitment to improve lives.
With faculty working all over the world and 370 partner organisations globally, IDS has a formal presence in more than 60 countries. This network provides a professional framework within which we can support your learning needs, facilitating knowledge exchange and mutual learning with the world’s best.
Scholarships and bursaries
We want to ensure that individuals with the most potential to effect global change have the opportunity to learn with us. We are delighted to offer a number of scholarship places on our specialist short courses for professionals.