Politics, Languages and International Studies (Research)

Develop as an independent and competent researcher, and gain a greater understanding of research techniques appropriate to your subject area.

During this course, you will conduct a major piece of independent and original research, following either the traditional or alternative (article-based) thesis route.

This programme is recognised as being part of the following ESRC-funded South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP) Political Science & International Studies discipline-specific pathway.

You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

Programme content
Learning

• Doctoral skills online

• Doctoral skills workshop

• Research project

• Supervisory team

Research content
The Doctor of Philosophy Degree provides the opportunity to research a topic in depth and to make a significant contribution to knowledge. You will be required to conduct supervised research at the leading edge of the field and write a substantial thesis.

The PhD programme aims to:

• provide a framework within which you can conduct an original piece of research relating to your interest

• facilitate your training and development as an independent and competent researcher, able to understand and use research techniques appropriate to your subject area and to be conversant with approaches used by other social scientists

• help integrate you within a broader research community in the Department, the University and beyond

• develop a range of skills that are relevant to academia but also beyond

• enable you to think through how you can apply your existing knowledge and skills to different contexts and a variety of problems and to your future research activities.

Professional Development
Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.