| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Overview
The PhD Global Challenges and Transformations is linked to the interdisciplinary South West doctoral pathway of the same name. Offer holders will need to apply to and be awarded an SWDTP studentship for this pathway to meet the conditions for registration on this programme.
This degree provides an opportunity to conduct advanced research on global challenges and transformations in an interdisciplinary school. You will develop research on contemporary global dynamics related, but not limited to, areas such as: geopolitics, political economy, conflict and security, economic and social inequalities, and people's mobilities. You will study with internationally renowned politics, international relations and sociology scholars in a dynamic and supportive research environment.
You will join an international community of students working on a range of political, social and international relations issues. Our staff also have particular expertise across a range of political, cultural and social theory and champion diverse research methodologies. You will be assigned two PhD supervisors whose current research interests and expertise are relevant to your chosen research area.
We are committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem-orientated. We aim to advance theory, knowledge and methods to better equip researchers to understand and address pressing global issues. We produce leading research with an international focus that is relevant to the changing circumstances of an increasingly interconnected world. Our aim is not just to monitor the world but to contribute to a better understanding and to ways that might improve it.
Key Information
Programme Duration
- Up to four years full-time
- Up to eight years part-time
Start Date
- Most students will start in September 2025
Application Deadline
- Programme application deadline: 2 December 2024
- SWDTP funding application deadline: 12 noon on 14 January 2025
Delivery Method
- On-Campus
Location
- Clifton
Awards Available
- PhD
Programme Structure
The PhD in Global Challenges and Transformations will combine both taught and research components.
The taught component provides you with the necessary research methods skills to become an independent researcher, including a better understanding of the research process, ethics, and methodologies so that you are fully equipped to work on your PhD project. You are required to complete this, unless you can provide evidence that you have undertaken this training before joining the programme.
You are required to take the following units:
- Introduction to Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Digital Methods and Data Skills
- One of the following units:
- Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
- Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
Through the research component, you will undertake and write up your doctoral research with the support of two supervisors.
World-Leading Research
- The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education)
- 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent
Entry Requirements
- An upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) and normally a merit at MSc/MA level (or equivalent)
- See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website
Fees and Funding
- Home: full-time £4,850 per year, part-time £2,425 per year
- Overseas: full-time £21,300 per year
- Fees are subject to an annual review
- For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year
Career Prospects
Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation.
Meet Our Supervisors
- Professor Bridget Anderson
- Dr Samuel Appleton
- Professor Will Atkinson
- Professor Roddy Brett
- Professor Terrell Carver
- Dr Egle Cesnulyte
- Professor Katharine Charsley
- Dr Ryerson Christie
- Professor Michelle Cini
- Dr Lucas de Abreu Maia
- Dr Alix Dietzel
- Dr Filippo Dionigi
- Dr Ashley Dodsworth
- Dr John Downer
- Professor Timothy Edmunds
- Dr Magnus Feldmann
- Dr Adrian Flint
- Professor Jonathan Floyd
- Dr Gaston Fornes
- Dr Timothy Fowler
- Professor Jon Fox
- Professor Roberta Guerrina
- Professor Susan Halford
- Professor Jo Haynes
- Professor Eric Herring
- Dr Nazia Hussein
- Professor Jonathan Joseph
- Professor Ana E Juncos Garcia
- Professor Saffron Karlsen
- Dr Winnie King
- Dr Raphael Lefevre
- Professor Lee Marshall
- Dr Neil Matthews
- Dr Peace Medie
- Dr Torsten Michel
- Dr Sveta Milyaeva
- Professor Tariq Modood
- Dr Marcus Morgan
- Dr Rosie Nelson
- Professor Julia O'Connell Davidson
- Professor Therese O'Toole
- Dr Jessica Ogden
- Dr Aslak-Antti Oksanen
- Dr Samuel Okyere
- Professor Thomas Osborne
- Dr Jessica Paddock
- Dr Hannah Parrott
- Dr Columba Peoples
- Dr Nieves Perez-Solorzano Borragan
- Dr Maud Perrier
- Dr Mircea Popa
- Dr Katharina Richter
- Dr Chris Rossdale
- Dr Thomas Sealy
- Dr Elena Stavrevska
- Professor Paula Surridge
- Dr Leonidas Tsilipakos
- Dr Karen Tucker
- Dr Elspeth Van Veeren
- Professor Jutta Weldes
- Dr Jennifer Whillans
- Professor Mark Wickham-Jones
- Dr Andrew Wyatt
- Dr Junko Yamashita
- Dr Rob Yates
- Professor Yongjin Zhang
Research Groups
Our research activity in the school is guided by focusing on key themes:
- critical (in)securities
- peace, conflict and violence
- climate emergency
- migration
- cultural work
- decoloniality and race
- ethnicity, migration and citizenship
- European politics and societies
- digital society
- science and technology
- food security
- gender and sexuality
- political and social inequalities
- social, cultural and political theory
- South and East Asia
All researchers across the school identify with one or more of the themes. This enables collective identification over themes within the school and aims to generate further collaboration and interdisciplinarity in our research activities. In addition, the themes provide a basis for internal and external recognition of the main questions and topics that our research addresses.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This PhD program in Global Challenges and Transformations provides an opportunity to conduct advanced research on global challenges and transformations in an interdisciplinary school. The program aims to develop research on contemporary global dynamics related to areas such as geopolitics, political economy, conflict and security, economic and social inequalities, and people's mobilities. Students will study with internationally renowned politics, international relations, and sociology scholars in a dynamic and supportive research environment.
Outline:
The PhD program in Global Challenges and Transformations combines both taught and research components. The taught component provides students with the necessary research methods skills to become independent researchers, including a better understanding of the research process, ethics, and methodologies. Students are required to complete a total of 60 credits, unless they can provide evidence that they have undertaken this training before joining the program. The following units are required:
- Introduction to Research Methods in the Social Sciences (20 credits)
- Digital Methods and Data Skills (20 credits)
- Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (20 credits) or Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
Teaching:
Students will study with internationally renowned politics, international relations, and sociology scholars in a dynamic and supportive research environment. The program also has particular expertise across a range of political, cultural, and social theory and champions diverse research methodologies. Students will be assigned two PhD supervisors whose current research interests and expertise are relevant to their chosen research area.
Careers:
Bristol graduates are in high demand and have an excellent record of employment following graduation.
Other:
The program is committed to rigorous conceptual and empirical research that is politically and socially relevant and problem-oriented. The aim is to advance theory, knowledge, and methods to better equip researchers to understand and address pressing global issues.
- UK: full-time £4,758 per year
- UK: part-time £2,379 per year
- Overseas: full-time £20,700 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
University of Bristol Summary
Overview:
The University of Bristol is a renowned public research university located in Bristol, England. It is known for its high academic standards, strong research output, and vibrant campus life. The university is ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, consistently attracting top students and researchers.
Services Offered:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programs:
A diverse selection of academic programs across various disciplines.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Students' Union:
A dedicated student organization providing support, activities, and representation.Library:
Extensive library resources and facilities for research and study.Sport, Exercise, and Health:
Opportunities for participation in sports and fitness activities.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Bristol enjoy a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university is located in a dynamic city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture. Students have access to a wide range of clubs, societies, and events, fostering a strong sense of community.
Key Reasons to Study There:
High Academic Standards:
The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and the UK, offering high-quality education.Strong Research Output:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university offers a diverse and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community.Location in a Dynamic City:
Bristol is a vibrant city with a thriving arts scene, independent spirit, and alternative culture.Excellent Career Prospects:
Graduates from the University of Bristol are highly sought after by employers.Academic Programs:
The University of Bristol offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
