Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
LE11 3TU
+44 (0)1509 263171

Postgraduate Study

Politics, History and International Relations

Research information PhD/MPhil

3 years full-time; 5 years part-time/2 years full-time; 3 years part-time

Research Proposal

Applicants are asked to submit a full research proposal when they apply, and are encouraged to contact the Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes to discuss this informally beforehand.

Guidelines for your Research Proposal

Introduction: the background, the general field orproblematic you wish to research. Your specific research problem, aims and objectives
Literature review: identify the gap you believe exists in the existing knowledge
Your proposed research questions and/or preliminary hypothesis
Your anticipated contribution to knowledge in the field
Methodology: your approach; application of particular perspectives or specific research methods; their appropriateness to the objectives of the research; the location of any fieldwork that you would need to undertake; access to prospective interviewees etc.
Provisional chapter plan outlining how you plan to structure the research project and develop the argument of the thesis
Your bibliographical references

Entry Qualifications

Good degree or equivalent experience.

Departmental Support and Training for Research Students

All research students are provided with:
Supervisor(s) with expertise in the selected research area and an independent reviewer to provide additional guidance and feedback. Administrative support is provided by the Director of Postgraduate Research Programmes. Research students are free to consult other academic staff in the Department if appropriate to their research.
Desk and computer in a shared research student office
Photocopying and inter-library loan facilities
Financial support to participate in conference and other research-related activities, and where possible to assist with the costs of field work

Where possible the Department provides opportunities for PhD students to assist in undergraduate teaching (normally in their second year)

All research students are expected to:

Live in the vicinity of the University and work regularly in the Department, unless otherwise engaged in fieldwork or similar research activities
Attend regular Departmental Research Seminars addressed by academic staff, research students and invited speakers from other University departments, and from outside the University
Attend and contribute to the Department’s regular Research Colloquia, which are organised by postgraduate research students and provide a friendly and informal opportunity to discuss the research of PHIR staff and students
Present a seminar paper to the Department at the end of their first year of research
Attend training courses throughout their PhD to support their research activities
Participate in and contribute to the research methods programme