For entry onto our PhD programme we require the following:

• MA degree – Merit or above. Please note: we require a copy of your academic transcripts, with a breakdown of your module results before we can process your application.
• If you are not a native English speaker, you must demonstrate competence in English. Our minimum standard is an overall score 7.0 with 6.5 on every component of the IELTS test. Students must achieve this standard before commencing studies. If your most recent IELTs test is more than 2 years old, it will need to be taken again. Applicants whose entrance qualifications were studied in English in certain countries within the last two years are not required to submit evidence of English language proficiency.
• You must supply two academic references from within the past two years. We may also accept one professional reference and one academic reference. All references must be on headed paper and clearly dated.
• You must submit a satisfactory research proposal of no more than 2,000 words, including references but excluding bibliography.

Qualifications in the field of Social Sciences is preferable but we do take into account other facilitating factors such as relevant experience in lieu of this.

Students must ensure they include all relevant documentation when applying. Any incomplete applications will not be processed.

Your research proposal of 1,500 to 2,000 words should include a working title of the topic area which conveys the keywords associated with the proposed research.

Plus, a general overview of area, by way of introduction this should take the form of a relatively brief abstract of the general area of study and identify the discipline(s) within which it falls. You might also use this section to provide some context into how your background gives you competences in your chosen area.

Overview

Literature and bibliography
Develop your proposal to demonstrate awareness of the debates and issues raised in relevant bodies of literature. References to key articles and texts should be made to show that you appreciate their relevance to your research area. A PhD is an original piece of research and so you should demonstrate that your proposed area has not been studied before. Here you can identify your niche, which will lead on to the thesis preparation. Plus, a shortlist of references to key articles and texts included in the application as your bibliography.

Key questions
In order to demonstrate that the topic can be completed within the normal time period allowed, you need to demonstrate that it is manageable. Therefore, focus on key questions within your niche area.

Methodology
Demonstrate awareness of the methodological tools available to you and show understanding of which would be suitable for your research. It may be that qualitative methods, including the analysis of interviews and data collection, are appropriate. In other cases, you may be combining methodologies. You need to specify the approach you feel will be most appropriate.

Timescales
Demonstrate awareness of the need for planning and the timescale of the research.

For more information, please contact the Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator on sgia.pgr.students@durham.ac.uk