Area Studies, History, Politics and Literature

Overview

Our research in Area Studies is exploring the fields of international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions – and when you study for a postgraduate research degree with us, you'll have the chance to make your own contribution to the vital work we're doing.

From exploring the history of the American civil rights movement, investigating Europe's relationship with Russia, or seeking to understand the causes of conflict in West Africa, our research is helping us make sense of our increasingly connected – but fragmented – world.

Our research is breaking down barriers of poverty, disease, and civil turmoil caused by natural disasters and conflict – by investigating how aid workers, charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) can most effectively work within the cultures and communities of developing nations, and by understanding how gender, ethnicity or religion impacts the lives of people around the world.

In the the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 68% of our research was rated 'world leading' (25%) or 'internationally excellent' (43%), placing the University in the top 10 institutions nationally for research impact.

Support and facilities

When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.

What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

After researching with us, our successful postgraduate research candidates have gone on to impressive positions in a variety of field – including as academic researchers, and political and security analysts for private organisations and governmental organisations.