Department of Politics
Postgraduate Applicants
Degree Programmes
Politics offers individual postgraduate supervision from masters to PhD levels. The MSc in International Conflict and Co-operation is a taught degree with opportunities to conduct research, while the PhD is the terminal research degree for academics. Key information is summarised below.
Essential Facts
Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified international students and EU students.
All degree programmes are internationally recognised and research training is integral to all masters and doctoral programmes. While subject specific training is provided within the School, training in generic research skills encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses, together with personal and professional development, is provided by the Stirling Graduate Research School.
Fee schedules: a Stirling masters or PhD is around half the cost of a US equivalent.
Funding is available, including departmental bursaries and research councils.
*** NEW: 2010 Bursaries offered by the School of History & Politics ***
Teaching opportunities exist for PhD students as teaching assistants in the years one and two of the undergraduate programmes.
Postgraduate students need not be resident at Stirling. Part-time study for the PhD is popular with North American domiciles and full-time professionals.
Supervision
The departmental staff are experienced in supervision, committed, and offer particular strengths in International Conflict and Co-operation and Human Security; European Social Democracy and Public Policy; Eurasian Geo-Politics; Modern British Party Politics; Devolution and Scottish Politics; and Contemporary Liberal Political Theory and Democratic Citizenship.
The Department also hosts the Centre for European Neighbourhood Studies (CENS) which fosters research on the politics of post-Soviet, post-Ottoman and post-Yugoslav countries and regions.
Entry Qualifications
Candidates applying for postgraduate study are normally expected to have at least an upper second-class Honours degree or equivalent in Politics or a related subject.
Accreditation
The modules in the MSc in International Conflict and Co-operation and the PhD programme are constructed in line with the university’s academic procedures and are fully assessed and externally examined.
Programmes and Curriculum - Degree Programmes
Taught Programmes
MSc International Conflict and Cooperation
The end of the Cold War and the terrorist attacks on America on 9/11 have shifted the international dynamics of interaction between conflict and cooperation. This, in turn, alters the relationship between dominant policy, power politics and international organisations, particularly in areas where international consensus and understanding are required to address new threats. This programme examines the changing interaction between conflict and cooperation, giving conflict prevention, management and resolution a particular importance and immediacy.
Research Programmes
Master of Philosophy (MPhil by research) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
are wholly research degrees. The MPhil prescribes a programme of research over two years awhile the PhD is essential for an academic career. Both research degrees can be taken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Supervision is on a one-to-one basis and is augmented by skills training. The department always matches students’ research interests to staff expertise.
