Postgraduate Research

The School of Social & Political Sciences offers a number of MPhil/PhD degrees which can be conducted in collaboration with the Policy Studies Research Centre.

We have a substantial and thriving group of research students in the School. Past research students have pursued a wide range of topics, including:  domestic violence, social services modernization, unemployment policy, child support, Sino-Soviet relations, rural social exclusion, Traveller education, policing the LGTB community, international relations in North Africa, war crimes, social policy in Ghana, Anglo-Libyan relations, female political participation, and Spanish/Catalan relations.

Current students are researching: Steiner education (Auckland), overview and scrutiny in Hull (Bonanjah), consumers as victims (Cullen), Machiavelli and New Labour (Johnson), pubs in rural communities (Markham), mass transport in London and Lagos (Olaoye), anti-social behaviour (Bond-Taylor), rural community engagement (Kipley), preventive diplomacy (Adamou), the Labour Party conference (Parker), and transforming higher education (Saunders).

Postgraduate Research Degrees

We welcome applications from those who are interested in pursuing postgraduate study by research for an MPhil or PhD degree, either full-time or part-time. Research students receive expert supervision, office space, library and IT facilities, training in research methods, and access to all PSRC events and activities. In addition to one-to-one supervision, research students are provided with opportunities to present and discuss their research in a supportive and stimulating environment, including at the College’s annual Postgraduate Research Showcase.

If you are interested in pursuing postgraduate study by research for an MPhil/PhD degree, either full- or part-time, please contact Professor Peter Somerville.