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Politics ​PhD/PhD by Published works​​

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  3. Politics ​PhD/PhD by Published works​​

Key Facts

  • Level

    Postgraduate

  • Duration

    PhD: Full Time 2 years - 4 years or Part Time 3 years - 6 years

    PhD by Published Works: Part Time 1 year - 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

  • Location

    Waterside
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Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview

​​If you are a graduate in Politics or a related discipline, this Politics PhD or PhD by Published Works programme offers an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and research skills. You will receive training on how to become an independent researcher. You will be supported by a supervisory team of at least two members of our research staff who will guide you through the research process. You will be able to take part in Researcher training offered by our Graduate school. This is an advanced and interdisciplinary research training and researcher development programme. You can also become a post-graduate member of the related faculty research centre and benefit from the support and events offered.

Find out more about Research centres and institutes:

The closing dates for applications for the October intake is the 1 August and for the March intake is the 11 December. 

Updated 16/04/2024

Highlights

  • ​We offer you excellent supervision for your Politics PhD in a vibrant and supportive research environment
  • Regular research seminars, conferences and research activities led by our Research Centre and the Graduate School

Course Content

  • You will join a community of research students working on a range of political issues. Our staff also have expertise across a range of research areas and champion diverse research methodologies. We will offer you excellent supervision for your Politics PhD or PhD by Published Works programme in a vibrant and supportive research environment.  Which means you will be assigned a minimum of two PhD supervisors whose current research interests and expertise are relevant to your chosen research area.

    As part of this research programme you must complete a written thesis, with support and advice from your academic supervisor(s).  You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce, where you explain your project in depth to an examination panel.

    As a research student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you are encouraged to attend conferences to present papers.  You will also develop skills needed in a future academic career through taking training courses offered through our Graduate School.

    We are committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem orientated. We aim to advance theory, knowledge, and methods at the forefront of Politics. We produce leading research with a focus that is relevant to the changing circumstances of an increasingly interconnected world. Our aim is not just to watch the world but to contribute to a better understanding and to ways that might improve it.

    This course is unique to the University of Northampton.
    ​Our broad range of research means you can specialise in topics including:

    • British and American politics
    • Political institutions
    • Political measurements, voting, demographics
    • ​Cultural politics
    • Political ideas

  • ​​A 2:1 honours degree or a master’s degree, or international equivalent, in politics or a related subject. Students with lower-level qualifications or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis. All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process. This interview can take the form of face-to-face interview, virtually or over the telephone.
    ​

    English language requirements

    If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined below:
    ​IELTS at 7.0, with no component less than 6.5 (or equivalent).  Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.
    ​

    All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

    • ​successful interview by the University
    • suitable Research Supervision Support

    ​Specialised application information 
    ​You need to submit a research proposal with your online application. Read our guidance notes on how to write a proposal for a research degree.
    ​Our step-by-step guide has everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research, please see our How to Apply page.​

  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2024/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

    Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

    • UK – Full Time: £5,500
    • UK – Part Time: £2,775
    • International – Full Time: £15,950
    • International – Part Time: £7,450

    Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works

    • UK – Part Time: £3,500
    • International – Part Time: £7,650

    Please visit the funding pages and our scholarship pages for more details on how to fund your study.

    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

    Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

    • UK – Full Time: £5,340
    • UK – Part Time: £2,695
    • International – Full Time: £15,480
    • International – Part Time: £7,245

    Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by Means of Published Works

    • UK – Part Time: £3,400
    • International – Part Time: £7,460

Staff

Placeholder image for Eddie Tembo, Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations
Eddie Tembo

Senior Lecturer in Politics & International Relations


Faculty of Business and Law

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Careers and Employability

We have a tradition of producing high quality doctoral research. Many of our graduates hold academic positions at universities and business schools around the world. We are strongly committed to creating a research community in which researchers can thrive and develop their skills and we view all our Postgraduate Researchers as potential research stars of the future.

The University of Northampton has an excellent careers service.  Our Careers and Employability Service is dedicated to equipping students with the skills to thrive, adapt and innovate in our ever-changing world.

Facilities

Our PhD students have access to exceptional research facilities such as:

  • ​Opportunities for research collaboration with staff and students
  • Skills support for PhD students
  • Teaching and Research Assistant opportunities should you meet the requirement
  • ​Spacious individual and group working space and discussion areas
  • Dedicated PhD study area with computer and printer in the Learning Hub
  • Well-equipped library with access to academic e-books, journal articles and learning resources for on-site and off-site study
  • Library and Learning support for PhD students
  • ​Excellent social groups for student meetings and engagement ​

Is this course for you?

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