The "1+3" Scheme (MA followed by MPhil/PhD)
An MA is the normal entry route into studying for a PhD. If you do not yet have an MA, we offer a "1+3" scheme ("1" year MA followed by "3" year PhD) that incorporates a research training component which is fully approved under the ESRC's new postgraduate training guidelines. If you intend to apply to the ESRC for support to do a PhD, you must enrol for this scheme.
This provides broadly based research training so that you can undertake doctoral research in a specialist area of politics/international relations. It is built around four complementary strands:
- generic social science methods training (taught in conjunction with other leading Social Science departments within the University)
- politics/international relations methods training
- specialist training pathway in one area of politics/international relations
- a dissertation
On the course, you are introduced to a range of theoretical and methodological approaches used in the study of politics/international relations.
If you have successfully completed our MA in Research Methods in Politics/International Relations (the "1"), you will have sufficient research training for entry to a three year doctoral programme (the "3").
If you have successfully completed an approved "Research Training" MA, or an MA with a substantial research methods training, you may be eligible for admission directly to a "3".
If you wish to be considered for 1+3 funding then you will need to apply to the us by 15 January for entry in the following September. You can do this by filling in an application form for the MA in Research Methods in Politics/International Relations and submitting it with a brief proposal outlining your future research topic.