Global Development Institute

The Global Development Institute (GDI) addresses global inequalities through world-class, interdisciplinary research, to promote a socially-just world in which all people, including future generations, can enjoy a decent life.

The Global Development Institute is a culmination of an impressive history of development studies at The University of Manchester which was first established in 1958. The Global Development Institute formed in 2016, uniting the strengths of the Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM) and the Brooks World Poverty Institute.

Varied research is split into seven groups: digital development, migration, refugees and asylum, global urban futures, growth and distribution, politics, governance and management, global production networks, trade and labour and, resources, environment and development.

Made up of over 60 academics and almost 700 postgraduate students overall, the GDI is one of the largest providers of development studies research and postgraduate education in Europe.

Key information:

First in the UK for research environment and second overall (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Ranked second in the world for impact on Sustainable Development Goals (THE Impact Rankings 2023)
A multicultural community of students from over 45 countries
An alumni network of more than 10,000 graduates across the world helping to drive forward sustainable development and social justice for all
The GDI is a culmination of an impressive history of development studies at Manchester which has spanned more than 60 years
Ranked 6th in the UK for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)