PhD Security, Conflict and Human Rights

Qualifications and durations

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme comprises a significant piece of research which will enable you to contribute to the academic community through a large written thesis (typically up to 90,000 words). You can complete your PhD in 2 to 4 years (full-time) or up to 6 years (part-time).

If you have a limited grounding in the research methods relevant to this subject, we strongly recommended you apply after first completing a relevant one-year MRes (referred to as a ‘1+3’ route to PhD).

Overview

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.

The programme 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.

South West Doctoral Training Partnership

This course is accredited by the Economics & Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the larger South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP).

If you wish to study for both the MRes and the PhD (the 1 + 3) you should apply for the PhD but indicate on the Application Form, that you also wish to study for the MRes.

Progression from the MRes to the PhD stage is dependent on achieving an acceptable level of achievement (typically an overall average of 60% on at least the taught component of the MRes).

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• A good first degree in a social science subject, or
• an equivalent degree in another subject, together with substantial relevant work experience.

Underlying these conditions is a belief that students must bring a minimum combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to the programme. Marginal cases are often dealt with at interview, and it is not uncommon for relatively inexperienced students to be asked to defer entry.

English requirements

• IELTS 7.0 (with not less than 6.5 in each of the four components)
• PTE Academic of 69 with no less than 62 in any component

Financial information

Costs

• Tuition fees
• Estimated Living Expenses including a Sample Budget Guide
• Cost of Printing final Soft-, and then Hard-Bound theses

You will find details of available University postgraduate research funding opportunities by checking the Graduate School funding pages. We also welcome applications from candidates who are able to self-fund or who have funding from elsewhere.

Unique funding opportunities

• This is an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised programme, suitable for ESRC-funded 1+3 awards or subsequent +3 applications.

ESRC-funded students are able to claim (during their studies) for three additional allowances:

• Overseas Fieldwork Allowance
• Difficult Language Training
• Overseas Institutional Visits

For more information on these allowances please see the ESRC Postgraduate Funding Guide. Please note that if you anticipate such activities you should outline the details in your application.

You can find our more about funding opportunities by viewing our webinar.

How to apply

Applications must be made through the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences Graduate School.

Two references are required for this programme (at least one of these should be an academic reference).

Contact

Email: sps-pgr-admissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 38 6180

Main areas of research

We are an internationally-recognised research-intensive department with a strong focus on policy and practice and a commitment to contribute to social wellbeing and social justice.

We draw together academic staff with backgrounds in Social Policy, Sociology, Social Work and International Development and work closely with colleagues in Psychology, Economics, and Health.

We also have an active and vibrant community of research students undertaking their own research alongside our academic staff.

Research Centres

• Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy (CASP)
• Centre for Death and Society (CDAS)
• Centre for Development Studies (CDS)
• Wellbeing in Developing Countries Research (WeD)
• History of Technology Research Unit (HOTRU)

Research themes

Our five research themes are:

• Children, young people, families
• Lifelong health and wellbeing
• Work, welfare, and poverty
• Global transformations and insecurity
• Governance and policy design

Departmental Staff

Find out more about our staff and their research interests.

Introduction

The Department of Social & Policy Sciences includes academics from social policy, sociology, social work and international development.

The international excellence of our research was recognised by the award of the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011.

We are committed to advancing learning and knowledge through teaching and research. Our Department collaborates with a wide range of users at the local, national, European and global levels.

Postgraduate programmes

We offer a wide range of postgraduate programmes. Our postgraduate teaching strongly reflects our research and our links to policy-makers and development institutions at the national, European and global level.

Our Department also has an active MPhil/PhD research programme. We take great pride in fostering a friendly and supportive learning environment.

Seminar series

We run a lively and well attended postgraduate research seminar series. Each of the Research Centres run seminar series and conferences associated with their research activities. The University of Bath also has a Research in the World public lecture series where key national and international academics are invited to speak.

Careers information

We are committed to ensuring that postgraduate students acquire a range of subject-specific and generic skills during their training. Our graduates generally go on to work in a wide variety of organisations, for example:

• social research in universities and research institutes, government, business, voluntary organisations and international organisations
• public policy analysis at local, national and international levels
• public information and campaigning within organisations concerned with wellbeing, sustainability and social justice.