Here at the Oxford Department of International Development, history and progress intertwine. This department known as ODID or Queen Elizabeth House is a key part of Oxford University. It focuses on the developing world.
The Oxford Department of International Development began with a generous gift. Sir Ernest Oppenheimer donated £100,000 to Oxford University. His donation aimed to advance colonial studies. It also helped establish a colonial center. The British government added £50,000 through the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund.
In 1954, a Royal Charter officially created Queen Elizabeth House. It served as a meeting place. People involved in Commonwealth affairs could connect and share ideas here.
The 1980s brought change. The goal was to broaden Queen Elizabeth House’s focus. It shifted from just the Commonwealth to international studies. In 1986, it merged with other institutes. These were the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the Oxford University Institute of Agricultural Economics. This merger formed the International Development Centre. It became a department within the University’s Social Studies Faculty.
From 1958 to 2005, Queen Elizabeth House was at 20-21 St Giles. In 2005, the department relocated. It moved to the former School of Geography building on Mansfield Road. It then became the Oxford Department of International Development. In 2011, the Palace authorized the use of the name Queen Elizabeth House for the buildings at 3 Mansfield Road.
The Oxford Department of International Development provides postgraduate training. It offers DPhil and MPhil programs. There are also four MSc taught courses for about 200 students. These programs emphasize research methods and fieldwork. The department is part of the ESRC-funded Doctoral Training Centre for the Social Sciences at Oxford University.
Currently, the Oxford Department of International Development offers several degree courses. These include DPhil in International Development and Migration Studies. Also MPhil in Development Studies is provided. Further MSc courses in Economics for Development, Global Governance and Diplomacy, Migration Studies, and Refugee and Forced Migration Studies are available.
Research is a central part of the Oxford Department of International Development. About 80 active researchers work on various themes. These themes include economic development, migration, human development, and political change.
Research is conducted by individual scholars and externally funded groups. These groups include the International Growth Centre, Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative, and Refugee Studies Centre. Also Technology and Management Centre for Development and Young Lives.
The Oxford Department of International Development stands as a center for learning and research. It addresses global challenges. It shapes future leaders in international development. Its history reflects a commitment to understanding and improving our world. The Oxford Department of International Development continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the changing needs of a global community.