The Strategy and Security Institute works on a broad range of contemporary global security issues through innovative teaching, policy-facing research and field-based consultancy. The research we undertake focuses on understanding the nature of instability and insecurity and how to formulate and apply strategy – purposeful, interdisciplinary action to achieve specified ends in fluid and unpredictable situations.
Our MPhil/PhD programme provides an opportunity for you to study with leading academics and practitioners who are specialists in this field. We have strong links with other departments across the University and students have opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in collaboration with relevant other fields of study. Our relationships extend beyond the University and we have good relations with academic and research institutions internationally, attracting research students from all over the world and many cultural backgrounds. There are frequent public seminars and a lecture series which features distinguished scholars and public figures in related fields from the UK, Europe and throughout the world.
Our research areas page shows the range of potential research degree topics in the Politics department. You may also be interested in visiting the Strategy and Security Institute webpages for information about our research in this specific area.
What is an MPhil or PhD?
Both MPhil and PhD research degrees involve an extensive investigation of a particular topic.
MPhil research takes a maximum of three years to complete full-time, or five years part-time, and is assessed by the submission of a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The PhD takes a maximum of four years full-time and seven years part-time and the results of your research will normally be assessed by a written thesis of up to 100,000 words and oral examination. The PhD is only awarded when the results of your investigation make an original contribution to knowledge in the field.
A PhD is the highest qualification that a university can award and offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of research: if you have these qualities Exeter can offer a very supportive environment in which to pursue research.
Advice for PhD applicants
Our online learning resource 'Considering a UK PhD?' provides lots of helpful advice and information from staff and students about the PhD experience at Exeter.
You may wish to read our general advice for PhD applicants webpages, which give tips on how to put together a successful research degree application.
Applicants for research programmes are also advised to visit the College's webpages to check for specific advice (see further information link). Here you will be able to find out about staff research interests and make preliminary enquiries about supervision. We advise that you do this before applying.
