A doctoral qualification may be regarded as the capstone of academic achievement and may mark the beginning of a career in academia or research.

Not Available 

Relevant Master’s degree.

You will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The research proposal will allow us to judge the quality of the application and to decide whether we are able to supervise your project.

Please take note of the following guidance:

• A research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own. 
• The research proposal should be 1,000–2,000 words in length.
• Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate an understanding of your research area.
• Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
• Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
• Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
• You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
• Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
• Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
• Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.

Normally candidates should hold a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent in a relevant subject. You should also hold a Master’s degree, or international equivalent, at merit or above.

While academic credentials are important for a successful application we also pay great attention to the fit of students to both the programme and the research interests of our academic team. Applicants are assessed based on their previous academic performance, the quality of their research proposal, and the availability of suitable members of staff to supervise the chosen research topic.

If you would like to undertake a PhD, but do not currently have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject, you may want to consider studying one of our Master's programmes.

International students will require the English Language at IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element, or equivalent.