This course brings together research perspectives from disciplines such as political science, sociology and psychology, as well as interdisciplinary perspectives such as gender studies and international development. You will complete a significant piece of research that aims to enable you to contribute to the academic community. This thesis is typically up to 90,000 words. Deepen your professional and analytical skills to tackle political, ethical and practical tensions in the fields of security, conflict and human rights. Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.

Assessment description

Most research students who ‘do a PhD’ register in the first instance as probationer for the programme of PhD. Confirmation of PhD registration is subject to your passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination.

Candidates are expected to carry out supervised research at the leading edge of their chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.