Research Area Overview
We welcome students who would like to conduct research (leading to an MPhil or PhD degree) in any of our areas of research. In particular, we are keen to supervise research in the following areas:
The School’s research interests fall into these main areas:
Political Theory
- Normative theory, liberalism and communitarianism
- Critical theory
- Continental philosophy
- Theory of ideology
- Political myth
Citizenship and Policy Studies
- Democracy and participation
- Gender perspectives on citizenship
- Citizenship and learning
- Young people’s understandings of citizenship
- Social exclusion
- Multiculturalism
European Politics
- EU and gender, rights and social policy
- European nationalisms (especially extreme right-wing versions)
- European defence and security
- Europe’s international relations
- French and German politics
International Politics
- Critical terrorism studies and political violence
- International intervention
- International political economy, security and defence studies, military reform and the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP)
- Conflict resolution
- Foreign policy analysis
- Nuclear non-proliferation
- Rogue states, human rights and humanitarianism
Educational Politics and Policy
- Higher education policy
- National and comparative educational policy
- Lifelong learning and the learning society
Staff are currently involved in research across a range of specialisms:
- Politics and international relations
- International political economy
- Citizenship and education policy
- Political psychology, electoral behaviour and public opinion with a particular interest in American politics
- Foreign, defence and security policy analysis and the ESDP
- European Union government and politics
- European Union policy for lifelong learning, active citizenship and globalisation
- Political philosophy and policy studies with relation to social issues and education
- European government, politics and constitutional development
Research environment
The aim of our doctoral programme is to promote high-quality research in the areas of politics, international relations and policy studies. At present we have about 20 doctoral students working on a wide range of issues. The work of our research students builds on the research expertise of the School, thus creating a lively research community in which academic staff and students engage in debates about current and future trends in politics as a discipline.
Research students within the School are well supported; in addition to regular supervision sessions with supervisors, all students are able to take advantage of training opportunities at University and School level. We also have a dedicated room for all research students with access to good ICT facilities.