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SOAS University of London

London , England ,United Kingdom

Research Degrees (PhD) in Global Studies

The Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) welcomes applications from prospective MPhil/PhD students wishing to undertake multi-disciplinary research in areas of global studies that relate to the research interests of Centre members and the Centre’s research programmes. The specific focus of this research programme is twofold: thematically, the programme addresses the analysis of contemporary globalisation processes and of the political, economic, social and cultural relationships and structures that define and shape these processes. Rather than, for example, the study of inter-state or inter-nation relations and agreements that is the traditional domain of International Studies, the core focus of this programme is on the study of the nature and evolution of contemporary globalisation itself and on globally shared issues, from a theoretical as well as a policy perspective. Methodologically, the programme promotes the multi-disciplinary analysis of contemporary globalisation processes. Research topics and projects will analyse the role of, and interchanges between, people, institutions, organisations and states in shaping globalisation dynamics through the prism of (at least) two of the following academic disciplines: International Studies and Politics, Law, Economics, Management Studies, Development Studies, History, Media and Communication Studies.

Student support is at the heart of CISD’s activities. Research Degree students are fully supported by their primary and secondary supervisors and the Centre’s Research Tutor, currently Centre Director Dr Dan Plesch. Students are encouraged to attend and present at the Centre’s research seminars.

Intakes

  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 40

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

We offer the following services to all full-time and part-time SOAS students on an on campus course:

  • Access to jobs, internships and volunteering opportunities through our careers management system, CareersZONE.
  • One-to-one careers advice on how to decide on a career path, as well as information and advice on the application process, including CVs, cover letters and application forms.
  • Practice Interviews to help students prepare their upcoming recruitment process, including assessment centres
  • A large selection of SOAS-specific events such as Careers Fairs, Alumni Workshops and Skills Sessions throughout the academic year
  • Assistance with navigating our virtual careers information resources on MySOAS Student
  • Provide information resources, including books, on further study, jobs, internships and volunteering.
  • Access to SOAS Connect, our eMentoring platform designed to help connect SOAS alumni and students around the world for peer-to-peer careers advice and guidance

PSW Opportunity

Psw 2 yrs

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The School's minimum entry requirement for applying for the PhD and VRS programmes is a good UK Master's degree (or overseas equivalent), which is generally in a relevant area to the programme you are applying to. In some cases prior knowledge of a language may be necessary or advisable. 

IELTS Academic/for UKVI/ Indicator - 7.0 6.5 in each subscore (7.0 in Writing)

PTE Academic - 70

TOEFL - 105

IELCA Academic - 40