Your PhD application should contain the following:

1) Research proposal (approx. 1 - 2 sheets of A4) giving details of your proposed thesis. Your proposal should demonstrate your competence in your proposed field. Your research proposal can be structured in the following sections: Title and Abstract (50 words); An outline stating the precise subject area of the proposed research (300-500 words); A statement of the methodology to be employed in undertaking the research (100-150 words); A statement of the sources of data that would need to be used (100-150 words); A statement of how the proposed research would relate to earlier work in the area (100-150 words). Support these points by referencing the relevant literature in text. List all references in a bibliography at the end of your proposal. You can download further details here

2) Online application form: Download and complete the application form as required by the University. Please download and complete the Research Programmes application. You can also apply online at here

3) Two Academic References: Please provide reference letters from two academic referees stating your capacity to complete the proposed research. You should ask your referees for permission to give their details. The reference letters can be sent directly to the Politics Department by the referees, or they can be sent to you , and then you can include them in your application.

4) Copies of the Transcripts/ Certificate of your first degree -- preferably a Masters degree from a UK university or overseas equivalent in a relevant discipline.

5) Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV): Your CV should list your academic and professional qualifications/experience

6) English Language Proficiency: Applicants must be able to demonstrate ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent is necessary. The applicant must provide evidence of proficiency in the English language, where the applicant's mother tongue is not English. Applicants may be required to take an approved proficiency test examination and/or to attend a course of English Language study before admission (please see the Postgraduate Prospectus for further details).

What happens next:
Based on your proposal and your research interests, the Department will identify an appropriate supervisor from its staff. You can also request to have an informal discussion with a potential supervisor within the Department to review details of your proposal. We may also request that you attend an interview before we confirm support of your application.
If your PhD proposal is approved and assigned to a supervisor, the Department will recommend to the University that your PhD application is accepted.

Please send questions and your completed applications to:

Mrs. Nita Walker
Doctoral Study Assistant
Department of Politics
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 689759
Email: Nita.Walker@surrey.ac.uk