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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
Postgraduate Research Programmes
The School has a long tradition of high-quality research among its staff and students. The School’s vibrant research culture attracts students from all over the world who conduct research at the forefront of our discipline. The breadth of expertise within the School enables us to provide research supervision on a very wide range of topics across Politics and International Relations.
Research students can specialise in one of the following three areas:
International Conflict Analysis MA, MPhil, PhD
The MA-R is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 40,000 words under the supervision of one or two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must show the candidate is able to conduct an independent study, to understand its relationship to a wider field of knowledge, and to organise and present the thesis in an appropriate manner.
International Relations MA, MPhil, PhD
The MPhil is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 56,000 words under the supervision of two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must show the ability to conduct an original investigation, to test ideas, and to understand the relationship between the theme of the thesis and the wider field of knowledge of which it forms a part.
Politics and Government MA, MPhil, PhD
The PhD is a three-year full-time or five-year part-time programme. Candidates research and write a thesis of a maximum of 100,000 words under the supervision of two academic staff. The formal requirement to obtain the qualification is that the thesis must be an original contribution to knowledge or understanding of the field under investigation and be of such scholarly merit as to justify publication.
Research environment and resources
Our research programmes provide a combination of formal research training and individual supervision within a supportive environment, with regular interaction between staff and students. For example, the School runs a weekly Graduate Research Training Seminar, where students are encouraged to present their work and receive feedback from peers and staff. Training is also offered through the Seminar to help prepare research students for careers in academia. Such training includes sessions on publishing academic work, research ethics, effective presentations, undertaking field work, and surviving the PhD viva. Students enjoy regular meetings with a supervisor and supervisory team, and are also given opportunities to collaborate with other members of staff through the staff research seminar and the activities of the three research groups. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual postgraduate research conference, during which various staff members discuss the work of research students, and outside speakers offer plenary lectures. Research students will also be able to benefit from the skills training offered by the University’s Graduate School.
During the first year, all research students receive training in research methods and practice, while also working on their projects under supervision from a specialist in the relevant research area. All members of staff can supervise theses leading to research degrees. We encourage potential research students to refer to our Postgraduate Research Handbook for detailed information.