Study

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 recommend you apply after first completing a relevant one-year MRes.

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

You will find details of available University postgraduate research funding opportunities by checking the 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.

How to apply

Applications must be made online.

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

Contact

Email: doctoraladmissions@bath.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1225 385949