University of Kent

International Conflict Analysis - PhD, MA

University of KentCanterbury, United Kingdom

Course overview

Our alumni, who form an international network, have used this programme as a spring board into foreign offices and diplomatic services, international organisations such as the UN, EU and OECD, and NGOs including IRC and Amnesty International. A PhD is a doctorate of philosophy or Master’s by Research is based on mostly independent study, whether your passion is international peace-keeping, crisis diplomacy, post-conflict reconstruction, sustainable development or more. It is assessed formally on the basis of one piece of work, a dissertation (or thesis), that reports your original thought and research.

You must also successfully complete all required training including methods and research design. Although sometimes we have specific PhD research projects related to funding awards, most of our research students choose their own research topics. Once you have decided on the nature of your project, it is important to?contact a staff member whose expertise matches your area of interest?with a CV and research proposal to discuss your proposed project and potential supervisory arrangements.

You then work with your proposed supervisor on refining your research proposal which provides the starting point for your subsequent research. During your research, you are supported by your supervisory team, normally comprising one main supervisor and a secondary supervisor. You will have agreed your main supervisor, based on their compatibility with your research interests, prior to registration.

Typically, you have one formal meeting per month with your main supervisor to discuss your work and progress (bi-monthly for part-time students). Through the Graduate and Researcher College, you have access to training in research-specific and broader transferable skills, including academic writing, career management and presentation skills. PhD students in receipt of a teaching studentship (GTA), must also complete the Associate Fellowship Scheme (AFS).

The AFS registration period is one year.

Key highlights

  • Independent research on topics such as peace-keeping and crisis diplomacy
  • Supervisory team of main and secondary supervisor matched to interests
  • Monthly formal meetings with main supervisor, bi-monthly for part-time
  • Required training in research methods and research design
  • Transferable skills training in academic writing, careers and presentation
  • International alumni network across foreign offices, the UN, EU and NGOs

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • Christine and Ian Bolt Scholarship

    Scholarship value up to £10,000.

  • Kent Business School Beaconhouse PG Progression Scholarship

    Tuition fee discount scholarship of £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Kent Business School Dean's Excellence Scholarship Award

    Awards of up to £3,000

  • Kent Business School MBA Scholarship

    50% off Tuition Fee.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Kent Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee reduction for post-graduate taught programmes at the University of Kent.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught

    Scholarship value - £5000

    Up to £5,000

  • Kent International Scholarship Postgraduate Taught (KBS)

    Scholarship value £3000

    Up to £3,000

  • Kent LLM Solicitors’ Practice Scholarship (Canterbury)

    £2,000 tuition fee discount (Home Students); £2,000 tuition fee discount (Overseas Students).

    Up to £2,000

  • Sasha Roberts Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The “Ambition” Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £1,500 for Full Time UK students; £750 per year for Part Time UK students; £3,000 for Full Time Overseas students.

  • The CAMEMS Scholarship

    £3,000 stipend per annum split into two payments of £1,500 in October and January.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Widening Participation Ambition Scholarship for University of Kent Graduates

    £5,000 for UK students (£2,500 per year for part time students).

Careers this course leads to

  • Diplomat
  • Foreign office policy adviser
  • International organisation officer
  • NGO programme officer
  • Conflict analyst
  • Academic researcher

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,238 per year | International: £19,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Kent, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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