Development Economics – (Ph.D.)

Over the past decade, Development Economics has arguably become one of the most interesting fields in the profession. From global macroeconomic issues such as the determinants of economic growth, to carefully-crafted microeconomic work in which rigorously constructed theory is tested in developing countries, often using cutting-edge experimental or quasi-experimental techniques, Development Economics is at the heart of many current policy debates. What works and what does not in terms of social programmes geared towards reducing poverty, child malnutrition, or the spread of HIV/AIDS? What policies should a country follow in order to ensure sustained economic growth and an equitable distribution of income?

Attempting to answer such questions stands at the core of our programme, a practicing Development Economist must be, first and foremost, a very good economist, trained in the tools of the trade, from micro and macro theory, to advanced econometric techniques. But a Development Economist should be much more, and should display sensitivity towards and knowledge of diverse cultural settings, know how to engage key stakeholders in developing countries (from the government to local NGOs), and be capable of getting things done in the field in conditions that are sometimes quite difficult.

Our PhD programme in Development Economics is geared towards doing just that, by:

• providing state-of-the-art training in macro, micro and econometrics;
• providing two doctoral seminars in Development Economics (one micro and one macro);
• by encouraging students to take a minor, at the PhD level, in another discipline, so as to be equipped to deal with complex issues from at least two academic standpoints;
• by providing PhD students with the opportunity of carrying out fieldwork in the context of projects being supervised by faculty members in developing countries.

The PhD of the Graduate Institute with a specialisation in Development Economics is a challenging degree tailored for outstanding students with a strong commitment to Economics and Development Studies and a proven ability in independent research work. It aims to prepare students for further academic research and for work as professional economists on development issues in international agencies, governments or the private sector.

The PhD programme is small by design and admits a limited number of students each year. The size of the programme and close contact with professors offer an intimate and highly stimulating environment in which to grow intellectually. This specialisation is a recognised and well established platform for advanced graduate research in Development Economics. With a large diversity of research and professional interests, the faculty members offer research supervision in a wide range of subjects.

Apart from formal research supervision from their doctorate supervisor (a professor of the Economics Unit), doctoral students can expect wider intellectual support at all stages of their research.

During their doctoral studies, candidates are required to obtain 24 ECTS credits for coursework and to present and defend a preliminary thesis. The programme, culminating in the presentation and defence of a doctoral thesis embodying an original and significant piece of research, is designed to take a maximum of four years.