Political Science and International Studies

Entry requirements

Applicants for the distance learning PhD must provide evidence of prior research experience and/or training suitable for their intended programme of study. When they apply, they are expected to consult with their supervisor who can assess their skills, background and capacity to undertake independent study at a distance.

Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our distance learning PhD degrees in Political Science and International Studies offer the opportunity to pursue original research under the guidance of an academic supervisor in a more convenient manner for those unable to live and work on campus on a regular basis.

We are able to supervise a wide range of topics, in line with the research interests of our teaching staff. In broad terms, our research work is focused around eight research groups:

• Area Studies
• Diplomatic Studies
• European Politics
• Political Economy
• Political Theory
• Security Studies
• International Relations Theory
• Political Sociology

The only attendance requirements are that the student visits the university for two weeks each year for an organized programme of research training and/or supervision and is also present on campus for their final viva examination. Travel and accommodation costs for these visits must be borne by the student.

Distance learning does present challenges and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. However, supervisory teams are there to assist students, drawing up individual training plans to support students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to complete a thesis.

The School of Government brings together academic staff, research fellows and doctoral researchers across the Social Sciences. The School is one of the leading UK and international centres for Politics, International Relations, International Development, International Security and European Studies.

The Department offers supervision leading to the research degrees of PhD (minimum registration three years) allowing participants to complete an 80,000-word thesis constituting a major piece of original research work. These can be studied on a full or part time basis.