the United Kingdom
University of Portsmouth| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Full-time, Part-time, Distance | 3 - 6 years | October, January, April | find out | find out |
Overview - Area Studies
Our research in Area Studies is exploring the fields of international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography across specific regions – and when you study for a postgraduate research degree with us, you'll have the chance to make your own contribution to the vital work we're doing.
From exploring the history of the American civil rights movement, investigating Europe's relationship with Russia, or seeking to understand the causes of conflict in West Africa, our research is helping us make sense of our increasingly connected – but fragmented – world.
Our research is breaking down barriers of poverty, disease, and civil turmoil caused by natural disasters and conflict – by investigating how aid workers, charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) can most effectively work within the cultures and communities of developing nations, and by understanding how gender, ethnicity or religion impacts the lives of people around the world.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 100% of our research was rated as having outstanding or very considerable reach and significance. The University of Portsmouth is ranked as the top modern university in the UK for research quality in Area Studies.
Overview - History
Within our History research, we're studying how everyday people have responded to upheaval, and how their experiences, culture, values and activities have shaped their identities and behaviour – and as a postgraduate research degree student, you'll play your own part in transforming our knowledge and expertise into action.
Across our areas of expertise – in early modern history, British social and cultural history, and urban cultures – we're exploring the lives of people at all levels of society, and the complex communities, cultures, and subcultures to which they belonged. Through our work, we're able to make sense of the world we live in today, and to understand how our own society may change in the future.
Overview - Politics
We're working with organisations, governments and individuals to find solutions to pressing political challenges. We're finding new ways to reduce the impact of war and create a safer, more peaceful world. We're analysing how insecurity, conflict and political exclusion form in different regions. And we're looking at how to improve people's lives by better understanding the local, regional, national and transnational dimensions of their nation or region's politics.
Our research is collaborative and multidisciplinary, and as a postgraduate research degree student, you'll play your own part in turning our expertise into impactful research.
Overview - Literature
Our researchers at the Centre for Studies in Literature are experts in early modern writing, with a particular strength in Victorian literature and culture, and twentieth- and twenty-first-century British and American literature. 100% of our impact in English Language and Literature was rated as having outstanding or very considerable reach and significance in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
In an increasingly globalised world where upheaval is rapidly becoming the new normal, we're studying how different literature can shed new light on issues such as corruption, war and justice. We're exploring how literature shapes our opinions on cultures, communities and people; how it can empower unrepresented and marginalised voices; and how it can be used as a weapon to repress and control.
As a postgraduate research student, you can make your own contribution to the important work we're doing.
Overview - Sociology
Through our Sociology research, we're exploring how our societies evolve, and the place of individuals, communities, governments, and organisations within them – and when you study with us for a postgraduate research degree, you'll have the chance to make your own contribution to the important research we're doing.
We're studying the patterns of relationships and social interactions, examining how cultures and communities are formed, and tackling the problems posed by a growing, global population in an increasingly complex and connected world. We're also exploring women’s issues and gender issues, from women's suffrage and feminism, to gender representations in the media.
Support and facilities
When you join us, you'll be supported by our Graduate School, alongside your assigned supervisory team, who'll help you get the most from our facilities. The Graduate School will help you become part of our thriving, collaborative research community, and help grow your skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers training, workshops and events.
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.
Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.
After researching with us, our successful postgraduate research candidates have gone on to impressive positions in a variety of field – including as academic researchers, and political and security analysts for private organisations and governmental organisations.
https://www.port.ac.uk/research
An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Exceptionally, equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered. All applicants will be invited to attend a face-to-face or telephone interview.
English Literature requires English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5. Other subject areas require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
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