PhD Global Political Economy

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 programme is centered on supporting research into current global political and economic transformations, along with their social and policy implications at global, national and a local level. It seeks to promote research that contributes to bring together the nationally-grounded assumptions and discourses on which much social science continues to be predicated with global perspectives seeking to transcend these assumptions.

We encourage applications from students who aim to analyse the diverse experiences and impacts of economic globalisation, examine the relationship between global governance and inequality, and contribute to a better understanding of how many of the key problems that confront humanity in the 21st century require new and inter-disciplinary academic approaches, innovative methods, policy agendas, creative thinking and transnationally comparative datasets.

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).

Research proposal

Your proposal should address a problem or question with a strong global dimension, even if proposed empirical work is focused on a particular country or countries. You should also set out one or a set of optional theoretical and methodological approaches to address the problem.

Wherever possible you should try and match your research interests with those of a potential lead supervisor. 

The proposal itself should include;

• a brief review of relevant background literature (to contextualise the issue)
• a core research question or theme
• an outline of the possible methods that could be used to address this question.

Interdisciplinary approaches are very much welcomed, particularly if this reflects a strong political economy understanding of the issue. Interdisciplinary approaches are those that seek to approach a common question by drawing on methods, approaches, and epistemologies from different disciplinary perspectives.

View further guidance on developing your research proposal.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

• A 1st or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject, from a recognised university. Or
• An equivalent degree in a less directly relevant 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 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