PhD in International Studies

The PhD in International Studies is a programme of doctoral study for students who would like to undertake advanced research in preparation for an academic or related career. The PhD programme can be taken full-time over 3 years (for primary research) plus up to one year for writing up of the thesis, or part-time over 6 years for primary research plus up to 2 years for writing up. If admitted to this degree, students will conduct their own research under the guidance of two academic supervisors, one based at the University’s China campus and another at the UK campus. Graduates will be awarded a University of Nottingham UK degree, which is also recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Taking a research degree allows you the freedom to study a topic of interest in-depth, with the help of two academic supervisors. The School's international environment and its world-class research provide an ideal home for postgraduate research. Please see the areas of supervision offered by staff members of the School.

PhD students are encouraged to play an active role in the School's activities and events, as well as in the Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies (IAPS), which is based at the School. IAPS seminars and other School research events provide a major part of the intellectual life of the School. The School and IAPS also offer an ideal framework for students to undertake supervised research by attracting Visiting Fellows from other leading universities and guest speakers from across the globe, as well as hosting a wide range of events, conferences and workshops.

The School of International Studies welcomes applications from prospective PhD students in the following areas.

Please also check the staff listings for detailed research expertise of members of the School.

Training

In the course of their PhD, students will not only complete an academically recognised work of independent research, they will also gain a large set of academic and transferable skills, such as world-leading expertise in a specific field and particular methodological techniques. Supervisors will discuss training needs with each research student at the start of their studies and draw up a programme of individually tailored training which will be reviewed and revised during their research degree. The University's Graduate School offers a broad and comprehensive range of research training courses and Doctoral Training Centres based at the University provide more specific events and training opportunities. The School also occasionally organises workshops on particular methodological approaches and issues, such as oral history or statistical analysis. Close cooperation with the School of Politics and the Department of History in Nottingham allow students to draw on an even wider range of training opportunities, for instance through events co-organised with the Methods and Data Institute (http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/mdi/index.aspx).

Postgraduate Research Seminar

A weekly Postgraduate Research Student Seminar runs during term time and brings the research student community together on a regular basis. Organised by students and facilitated by the Doctoral Programme Director, it provides a supportive forum for presenting work in progress and advancing students’ research.

Career Prospects and Employability

Those who take up a postgraduate research opportunity in the School of International Studies will not only receive support in terms of close contact with supervisors and specific training related to their area of research, students will also benefit from dedicated careers advice from our Career Support. Individual guidance appointments, career management training programmes, access to resources and invitations to events including skills workshops are just some of the ways in which they can help students develop their full potential, whether they choose to continue within an academic setting or are looking at options outside of academia. 

Applicants for research programmes would normally be expected to a bachelor degree at Upper Second Class level and have graduated or be about to graduate from a Masters degree (at Merit level) in a relevant subject, with an average of over 60% (or its equivalent). 

How to apply

Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.

Fees

Tuition fees are adjusted annually and are set for each individual degree. Please follow the Gradaute School's fee information for details.

Scholarships

The School awards a full PhD scholarship once a year. Note that competition for this scholarship is very strong and students are advised to explore additional external sources of funding. Please see the University's PhD scholarships pages for further information. For further details about the School’s scholarship scheme, please contact the Doctoral Programme Director, Dr. Rosaria Franco (Email: rosaria.franco@nottingham.edu.cn) 

If you are considering applying to the School’s PhD programme please contact the Doctoral Programme Director, Dr. Rosaria Franco (Email: rosaria.franco@nottingham.edu.cn)  to discuss areas of research and potential supervision.