PhD Studentship in the Global Language Based Area Studies/Politics/IR Pathway

Funding providers:  ESRC WGSSS 50%; Swansea University 50% 

Subject areas: Politics and International Relations

Project description:  

The Global Language Based Area Studies/Politics/International Relations pathway at Swansea University is based within the Department of Politics, Philosophy, and International Relations (PPIR). It aligns with our PhD program in Politics and International Relations, and encompasses a variety of substantive foci and research approaches.  

Our breadth of specialisms incorporates (i) international relations, area studies, and international development; (ii) comparative politics, including sub-national politics and the study of political identity; (iii) political communication, with a particular focus on digital politics; and (iv) political and social philosophy. Our research crosses boundaries with development studies, media and communication, and philosophy. We are intellectually pluralist, use a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, and our geographical coverage includes Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. We place a premium on connecting scholarly work to real world impact and seek to disseminate our findings and co-produce change with partners in Welsh and UK government and parliament, global policy advocates including the International Drug Policy Consortium, and a range of local and international civil society actors.  

PPIR is the base for four research groups that bring together members of staff and PhD students to exchange ongoing research, discuss cutting-edge publications, and explore opportunities for funding and collaboration. These research groups are: The Global Drug Policy Observatory, the Political Analysis and Governance Research Group, the Philosophy Research Group, and the International Studies, Conflict and Security Research Group. We are also aligned with Faculty level Research Institutes focusing on Geo-political Challenges, Security and Resilience, Public Policy, Digital Economy and Society, and Climate Action. We welcome proposals from scholars wishing to develop knowledge and seek change-making applications across these areas of research.

Duration of study: The duration of study is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful.

Duration of study may vary from 3.5-4.5 years, full-time (or part-time equivalent) dependent on your prior research experience. Swansea University, in conjunction with colleagues in the WGSS, will undertake an assessment of the successful applicant’s training needs and work with them to tailor the training they are offered to meet their research needs. This might take the form a full master's course, or might be comprised of individual courses designed to enhance skills required for their chosen area of study.

Research in practice placement:  All WGSSS funded students are required to complete a funded Research in Practice placement of 3-months in total (or part-time equivalent). All students will have the opportunity to complete a placement in academia, policy, business or civil society organisations.   

Eligibility

To receive ESRC studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation.  

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply. 

Funding Details                                         

Additional Funding Information

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

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