From its earliest years, IDS has had a tradition of teaching and training with a distinctive emphasis on plural and interdisciplinary study. The new flexible course structure enables IDS students to take up to two course modules per year from any of the other development-related courses at Sussex. The IDS is an international academic community of development scholars and practitioners and represents an enormous range of experience and views. The interests of IDS Fellows cover the range of social science perspectives on development. Their research is organised through six thematic teams .
Fellows undertake a wide range of operational work on and in developing countries.
This provides them with current first-hand knowledge of development problems, and brings a wealth of contacts with developing country institutions and policy makers. Its collections include many thousands of developing country publications such as government reports, development plans and statistical material. There is a lively programme of open seminars that attracts a wide range of participants from the University of Sussex campus and further afield. A computer service specially adapted for teaching purposes and offering a range of software options. Nearly 600 former students from more than 90 countries form a flourishing alumni community committed to helping current students.