International Conflict Analysis MA, PhD

Entry requirements

Before making your application, you are required to contact and confirm supervision with a staff member within the School of Politics and International Relations. Please note, if this is not completed and noted on your application, our admissions team will not be able to process your application until supervision is confirmed.

A first or upper-second class honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent. If applying for the PhD programme, a Master's degree in a relevant subject is preferable.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

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.

Choosing a topic

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.

Supervision

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).

Training

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.

Information for international students

Please see our International website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, international fee-paying students cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.

English language entry requirements

The University requires all non-native speakers of English to reach a minimum standard of proficiency in written and spoken English before beginning a postgraduate degree. Certain subjects require a higher level.

For detailed information see our English language requirements web pages.

Need help with English?

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of pre-sessional courses in English for Academic Purposes through Kent International Pathways.

Fees and funding

Please visit our funding web pages for the most current information and applicaiton details.