We accept students into the Department of Politics and International Relations on the basis of a match between your proposed research and the current research interests of a potential supervisor as well as an assessment of qualifications and suitability for a research degree.Initial discussions about supervision are therefore on the basis of a brief research proposal prepared by prospective students before a formal application is made.If you'd like to come and discuss your research with the Director of Postgraduate Studies and/or with a potential supervisor, please approach the contact listed below to make an appointment.Initially, you register for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme to train you in the research methods necessary to complete a PhD.You can apply to upgrade to PhD registration when you have satisfactorily completed an agreed part of the research and training programme this usually happens before 18 months if you are studying full-time, or before 36 months if part-time.You should aim to complete and submit your PhD thesis within an agreed period, usually three to four years for full-time students, and four to six years for part-time.If you decide not to upgrade to PhD registration, you can submit your thesis for an MPhil after two years if you are studying full-time, or after three years if part-time.With the agreement of your supervisor, you can change your registration from full to part-time or vice versa. North American applicants especially should note that the British system does not include preparatory taught classes or examinations as part of the MPhil/PhD programme, except for an initial module in research methods.