Overview

Our alumni, who form an international network, have used this programme as a spring board into foreign offices and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN, EU and OECD, and NGOs including IRC and Amnesty International.

A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy or Master’s by Research is based on mostly independent study, whether your passion is international peace-keeping, crisis diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, sustainable development or more. It is assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports your original thought and research. You must also successfully complete all required training including methods and research design. 

Although sometimes we have specific PhD research projects related to funding awards, most of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, it is important to?contact a staff member whose expertise matches your area of interest?with a CV and research proposal to discuss your proposed project and potential supervisory arrangements. 

You then work with your proposed supervisor on refining your research proposal which provides the starting point for your subsequent research. 

During your research, you are supported by your supervisory team, normally comprising one main supervisor and a secondary supervisor. You will have agreed your main supervisor, based on their compatibility with your research interests, prior to registration. Typically, you have one formal meeting per month with your main supervisor to discuss your work and progress (bi-monthly for part-time students). 

Through the Graduate and Researcher College, you have access to training in research-specific and broader transferable skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills. 

PhD students in receipt of a teaching studentship (GTA), must also complete the Associate Fellowship Scheme (AFS). The AFS registration period is one year.