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PhD Program in International Development

Brief Introduction

The PhD Program in International Development (English) is provided by the School of International Development and Cooperation (SIDC) at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE). International development is a multidisciplinary subject. International development builds upon the broad base of political science and is imbued with expertise from economics, sociology, anthropology, laws, etc. The PhD program provides three major research themes, which are (1) Theories for international development and global governance – a comparative perspective, (2) International development and economics cooperation, and (3) Innovation and sustainability. The normative period for a full-time students is 4 years. (Students under specific scholarship scheme can choose to finish the program ahead of time. We also provide the option to apply for a self-paying extension of up to 3 additional years.)

The aim of this PhD program is to train world-class researchers specializing in international development and first-class practitioners in the actual field of international development. SIDC provides comprehensives supports to its students to obtain practical knowledge of the field, including building the connection between its students and potential employers of interests. More specifically, our students will obtain the necessary knowledge to navigate through their professional careers in academic institutions, international organizations, governmental bodies, international companies, think tanks, etc.

SIDC was founded in 2018 and is currently the only academic entity providing both masters’ and doctoral degrees in international development in China. Its admission scheme for undergraduate students is also under preparation. Being one of the youngest schools at UIBE, SIDC has the most vibrant demographic composition with most of its faculty members receiving doctoral degrees from prestigious universities overseas. It will be easy for you to find a supervisor interested in your academic area and to guide you through the arduous but rewarding academic journey.

Program Structure and Thesis

As mentioned above, the normative period is 4 years. And the maximum period to complete the program is 6 years. Students with outstanding academic achievements, represented by a piece of qualified thesis, a minimum of 3 academic articles published in top-rank academic journals, and outstanding grades for all the required courses, can opt to shorten the normative period.

Here is the detailed structure of a 4-year program in SIDC:

Year 1	Research seminars and training modules (please refer to the “Credit Requirement” structure below) Chinese language courses (a passing grade for HSK III is mandatory for graduation) To be assigned to a supervisor who is an expert for the research theme chosen by the student by the end of Semester 1
Year 2	Preparation for comprehensive examination, which will take place in Semester 3. Only those who have successfully passed the examination would be allowed to stay in the program. The school will notify the students the specified materials to be covered by the examination content at the beginning of Semester 3. To present a detailed research proposal by the end of Year 2. The proposal should include the following sections: (1) research statement, (2) literature review, (3) theoretical framework, (4) methodology, (5) expected findings, and (6) timeline for thesis preparation. (Optional) Students may start their fieldworks once the research committee approves their proposals.
Year 3	Once the research committee approves the proposal, the candidate will start the research, with the final goal to finish a thesis with a word length between 50,000 and 100,000. Fieldwork to gather necessary data for the research SIDC will provide the more detailed timetable at the end of Year 3.
Year 4	Thesis drafting, editing, and completion. The oral defence usually takes place in Semester 8.

Credit Requirement

To obtain a PhD Degree of Law in International Development, students should complete 21 credits at minimum: Basic Degree modules (7 credits), Core Modules (11 credits), and Thesis (3 credits). For those without a previous degree in Political Science/Economics/International Relations/Development Studies, they shall complete additional 9 credits in Political Science/Economics/International Relations/Development Studies modules (Basic Theories Modules) to meet the basic qualification of a PhD candidate. Course options for each module are listed below:

Module list

Module Type	Module	Hours	Module Leader	Credit	Offering Terms
Module Type	Module	Hours	Module Leader	Credit	Spring	Fall
Basic Degree Modules	Basic Chinese (1)	28	XIE Yongle	2		√
	Basic Chinese (2)	28	HU Cong	2	√
	General Information on China	28		2	√	√
	Business Chinese Listening	28	DU Xingye	1	√	√
Core Modules	International Development Classic Reading	39		3		√
	Selected topics on development economics	28		2		√
	Selected topics on foreign aid	28		2	√
	Social statistics	28	SUN Biyang	2		√
	Advanced econometrics	28		2	√
Basic Theories Modules	Theories of international relations	42	KUANG Shuxiao	3		√
	Microeconomics	42		3		√
	Macroeconomics and international trade	42		3	√
	Seminar on China’s political economy	42	ZHAI Dayu	3	√
	Research methods in social science	42	SUN Biyang	3	√