::Studying for a PhD 

In the University of London system, a PhD is awarded to students who produce a substantial piece of original research in the form of a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Candidates for PhD are normally registered for 3 years full-time, with submission within not more than 4 years, or 4 to 7 years part-time. Students must remain registered and paying an appropriate fee until submission.

 

Please note that there is a limited number of places available on the Department of Politics and International Relations' PhD programme. Applications are considered in the order in which they are received. The final deadline for application for September 2010 entry is July 15, 2010. We strongly recommend that you apply well before that date to avoid disappointment.

 

How to Apply

 

We welcome applications from suitably qualified and highly-motivated candidates. We welcome informal enquiries about research degrees via the Department of Politics and International Relations' Director of Postgraduate Study, Dr Evelyn Goh. In the first instance you should forward your CV and an outline research proposal. Candidates whose research interests match those of the Unit may be invited to the Unit to discuss their research proposal and to meet their prospective supervisor(s). We place great emphasis on matching prospective students to supervisors’ interests, building on our existing research activities.

 

Candidates may apply at any stage of the academic year, though they are strongly encouraged to apply no later than mid-July for entry in September.

 

You can apply for the PhD in New Political Communication online by clicking here. 

Supervision

Each research student is allocated both a specialist supervisor and an adviser, whose role is to provide support and to review and monitor progress. All research student activity in the Department of Politics and International Relations is overseen by the Director Graduate Study. The Department believes that careful supervision, appropriate research and subject training, and a supportive academic environment are crucial to the successful completion of research degrees. Students' supervisors and the Department's Director of Graduate Studies take primary responsibility for the academic and welfare needs of research postgraduates in the Department. A departmental handbook is issued to all research students annually, and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the College Code of Practice for the Academic Welfare of Postgraduate Research Students.

Research Training

 

Sources of Funding

Our Doctoral programme has long been recognised by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) on the +3 basis and the +3 CASE basis. Candidates wishing to be considered for entry into the +3 competition are strongly advised to contact a potential supervisor no later than the end of January of the year in which they wish to commence their research. We welcome proposals for CASE studentships from individual students and third party organisations. There is an internal College process to select the candidates to be entered for the +3 competitions and as a result we cannot guarantee that you will be entered. The deadline for the ESRC studentships is the end of April. Note that the ESRC is currently in the process of restructuring its postgraduate funding. For further information, see: www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk

A small number of scholarships is available each year from the College, including Reid Scholarships, Thomas Holloway research students and scholarships, College research studentships, Royal Holloway Jointly-Funded Chevening Scholarships, College Overseas Entrance Scholarships. For more information about these opportunities for external funding visit the College's funding pages.