| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-23 | 2023-07-04 |
| 2024-01-23 | - |
Program Overview
Deepen your professional and analytical skills to tackle political, ethical and practical tensions in the fields of security, conflict and human rights.
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.
Find out what our research graduates go on to do
Department of Social and Policy Sciences
Deepen your professional and analytical skills to tackle political, ethical and practical tensions in the fields of security, conflict and human rights.
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.
Find out what our research graduates go on to do
Department of Social and Policy Sciences
Program Outline
Programme structure
Most students complete this programme in 6 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 6 years.
You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.
Academic milestones
- Registration
- Induction
- Candidature
- Confirmation
- Research
- Writing up
- Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
- Submission for examination
- Examination (Viva Voce)
- Examiners report
- Final submission of thesis / portfolio
- Graduation
Programme content
Learning
Research content
This PhD is designed to support interdisciplinary research into security, conflict and human rights. It is broad in its scope, ranging from political theory debates over the nature and demands of ‘justice’ to empirical analysis of conflict and security dilemmas in different parts of the world; and from micro-level studies of violence at the individual or household level to questions of justice and equality in a rapidly changing world.
The research promoted under this area is united by a concern to move beyond disciplinary boundaries in understanding these challenges and a concern with the implications of research for policy and political action to improve the security and livelihoods of the vulnerable and excluded.
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.
Read more about professional development support
Assessment
Assessment methods
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.
