Program Overview

PhD Government

The PhD Government course at the University of Essex is a four-year research degree that combines skills and enhanced subject-specific research proposals to give students the best underpinning for their doctoral studies. The course is designed for students who do not have English as a first language and may have been studying in a different country or out of a traditional academic environment for some time.

Overview

• The course is based in the Government department at the University of Essex.
• It is a four-year PhD course with a focus on research and communication skills.
• The course starts in October, and the usual January start date has been suspended.
• The course does not include a Masters degree in its first year, unlike other Integrated PhDs offered at Essex.
• Students will enrol for a PhD Government (with research and communication skills) for a PhD final award, with only a PG Dip or PG Certificate available as exit awards after the first year.

Course Structure

• The course consists of core and compulsory modules in the first year, followed by three years of individual research project.
• Components are the blocks of study that make up the course, and each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards the qualification.
• Modules are the individual units of study for the course, and each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

Modules

• Professional Development Seminar: This module focuses on writing and presenting a research proposal for the thesis, as well as other significant aspects of socialization into the discipline of political science.
• English Language and Communication Skills for Postgraduate Studies: This module provides training in English language skills for successful postgraduate study in the context of the UK and at the University of Essex.
• Research Design: This self-directed module allows PhD students to study the foundations of sound research design.
• Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research: This module is designed for international students who do not have English as their first language and who are planning to pursue a PhD at the University of Essex.
• Research Proposal: This module introduces students to the form and function of an effective PhD research proposal.

Entry Requirements

• UK Entry Requirements: A good honours degree and a Masters degree in a relevant social science, as well as a well-developed research proposal.
• International & EU Entry Requirements: The University of Essex accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries.
• English Language Requirements: If English is not the first language, then an IELTS score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component is required.

Fees and Funding

• Home/UK Fee: Ł5,238 per year.
• International Fee: Ł20,625 per year.
• Scholarships and Financial Support: There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

• Open Days: The University of Essex holds Open Days for all applicants throughout the year.
• Applying: Students can apply for the postgraduate course online, and the University aims to respond to applications within four weeks.
• Visit Colchester Campus: The Colchester Campus is set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland and is easily reached from London and Stansted Airport.