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PhD in Interdisciplinary Development Studies​ | Curriculum Structure

PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies on Development

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  • 9 semester
  • In-person
  • Credits 92
  • Full-time
  • Start date: August 10, 2026
  • SNIES code: 105977
  • Curriculum
  • Schedule
  • Graduate profile
  • Process for foreigners
  • Admissions process
  • Investment and financial support
  • Teachers
  • ¡Quiero más información!
  • Curriculum
  • Schedule
  • Graduate profile
  • Process for foreigners
  • Admissions process
  • Investment and financial support
  • Teachers
  • ¡Quiero más información!

Study Plan

On-campus format – Full-time study

The PhD in Interdisciplinary Development Studies comprises 92 academic credits and is designed to be completed in 9 semesters.

*Information and curriculum subject to change.

This PhD is designed to be completed in 9 semesters, for a total of 92 credits.

I

Development Theories

Development Theories,
(4 credits)
 
Discover the keys to understanding development in our Development Theories course.
We will explore the different approaches that have emerged in this field, focusing particularly on critical perspectives from Latin America. Join us to strengthen your context-sensitive thinking! In each session, we will analyze how various authors, schools of thought, and disciplines approach development, evaluating their proposals and historical context.

4

Institutional Analysis and Development

Institutional Analysis of Development, (4 credits)

In this program, you will explore the foundations of institutional analysis so that you can readily apply it in your interdisciplinary research on development. Today, institutional analysis is one of the principal analytical frameworks for addressing development issues in all their dimensions. Join us and become an expert in an approach that is revolutionizing the social sciences!

4

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies,  (2 credits)

This course creates a collaborative environment in which participants acquire the foundations for developing their research processes through the use of interdisciplinary logic in theoretical development, the understanding of social phenomena, social action, or public policy decision-making. 

2

Introduction to Research Methods

Introduction to Research Methods,        (2 credits)

The purpose of this methodological foundations course is to explore the “how” and “why” of research, drawing on elements from diverse disciplines, paradigms, trajectories, and interdisciplinary research perspectives.

2

Elective
seminar 1
Cider or Uniandes

Elective Seminar 1,            (4 credits)

Four elective courses are taken: three thematic specialization courses, which may be from other university programs, and one methodological course.
Some of the elective courses that have been offered can be found at the following link:
https://catalogo.uniandes.edu.co/

4

II

Contemporary Debates on Development

Contemporary development debates, (4 credits)
 

This course is based on problem-based learning and adopts an active methodology that fosters debate. Its thematic focus enables students to explore and analyze new development challenges related to Cider’s research areas, including planning, governance, gender, equity, institutions, peace, sustainability, and the environment. Each class session will focus on emerging debates, as well as those that remain relevant and those that have been overcome, and will examine the contributions of various stakeholders to development.

4

Thesis Workshop 1

Thesis Workshop 1, (3 credits)

This course is specifically designed for students in the PhD in Interdisciplinary Development Studies program. Its main objective is for students to prepare and present their research proposal.

3

Elective
seminar 2
Cider or Uniandes

Elective seminar 2,              (4 credits)

Students take four elective courses: three thematic specialization courses, which may be offered by other university programs, and one methodological course.
Some of the elective courses that have been offered can be found at the following link:
https://catalogo.uniandes.edu.co/

4

  • Students take four elective courses: three thematic specialization courses and one methodological course.
  • The research stay is a doctoral research period at a university abroad lasting at least one academic semester.
  • Two thesis options: a monograph or a series of three articles.
  • Directed Studies correspond to the development of the doctoral research.
III

Methodological elective

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4

Thesis Workshop 2

Thesis Workshop 2, (3 credits)

Academic examination in which the student submits their thesis project for consideration by the Doctoral Committee.

3

Elective Seminar
3
Cider or Uniandes

Elective Seminar 3,                (4 credits)

Four elective courses are taken: 3 thematic courses, which may be from other university programs, and 1 methodological course.
Some of the elective courses that have been offered can be found at the following link:
https://catalogo.uniandes.edu.co/

4

IV

Applied Data Analytics for Development Studies

Applied Data Analytics for Development Studies,    (4 credits)

This course provides theoretical and practical tools for data analysis. We explore and understand the quantitative methods and tools widely used in development studies over the past two decades. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply these methods both in their research or consulting projects and in their professional practice. 

4

Thematic
Exam

Thematic examination, (2 credits)

During this course, students independently review the main concepts and theories in interdisciplinary development studies, focusing especially on those relevant to their areas of research. At the end of the course, students take an examination to demonstrate their mastery of these concepts and theories.

2

Thesis
proposal

Thesis Proposal, (4 credits)

During this course, students will independently develop their doctoral research proposal. This course is exclusive to the PhD in Interdisciplinary Development Studies program and constitutes an integral part of the intermediate evaluations that students must pass to enter the research stage.

4

V

Directed
Studies 1

Directed Studies 1, (9 credits)

During the research stage, students will carry out the activity plan presented in their thesis proposal, with the support of their thesis supervisor and an advisory committee. During this period, students will enroll in three Directed Studies courses, each worth ten credits. These courses must be completed consecutively, and upon passing the final course, students will be considered to have completed their thesis, ready for defense.

8

VI

Research Analysis and Writing

Quantitative Data Analysis and Research Writing, (2 credits)

This course provides students with the skills needed to analyze the information collected during their research and communicate their findings through academic articles, public policy documents, or doctoral monographs.

2

Directed
Studies 2

Directed Studies 2,            (9 credits)

During the research stage, the student will carry out the activity plan presented in the thesis proposal, with the support of their thesis advisor and an advisory committee. During this period, the student will enroll in three Directed Studies courses, each worth ten credits. These courses must be completed sequentially, and upon passing the final course, the student will be considered to have completed their thesis, ready for defense.

8

VII

Internships

Internship,                      (10 credits)

During the research stage, the student will undertake an academic stay or internship lasting at least one academic semester at one or more internationally recognized universities or research centers abroad. During the internship, the student may:

a) Collect and analyze information, for example, by conducting interviews and reviewing archives.

b) Receive additional training, for example, by taking courses according to the needs of their project.

c) Present and discuss their thesis at doctoral colloquia and seminars at other universities.

d) Prepare articles as a co-author with students and faculty members from other universities.

8

VIII

Directed Studies
3

Directed Studies 3,          (10 credits)

During the research stage, the student will carry out the activity plan presented in the thesis proposal, with the support of their thesis advisor and an advisory committee. During this period, the student will enroll in three Directed Studies courses, each worth ten credits. These courses must be completed sequentially, and upon passing the final course, the student will be considered to have completed their thesis, ready for defense.

8

IX

Thesis Defense

Thesis Defense, (4 credits)

This is the academic component in which the doctoral student defends their thesis before an external committee.

10

  • Students take 5 elective courses: 1 interdisciplinary course from Cider, 3 thematic specialization courses, which may be from other university programs, and 1 methodological course.
  • The research stay is a doctoral research placement at a university abroad lasting at least one academic semester.
  • Two thesis formats: a monograph or a series of three articles.
  • Directed Studies correspond to the development of the doctoral research.
  • 5 elective courses: 1 interdisciplinary course from Cider, 3 thematic specialization courses, which may be from other University programs, and 1 methodological course. The research stay is a doctoral research placement at a university abroad lasting at least one academic semester.
  • Two thesis formats: a monograph or a series of three articles.
  • Directed Studies correspond to the development of the doctoral research.

Schedule

Blended format (in-person and online), with classes every 15 days.

  • In-person classes every 15 days on Thursdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Online classes on Thursdays, Fridays and/or Saturdays, between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays between 6:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.*
  • *The final schedule is determined according to the courses and credits selected by the student.

Applications open each semester

Start of classes:
August each year

More information:

Nataly Guanumen Rodríguez

Applicant Experience Advisor
📩 ln.guanumen@uniandes.edu.co
📞3324060. Ext: 7231
🏦Office GB-421
You can also contact us via WhatsApp

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