Centre for European and International Studies Research (CEISR)
New Route PhD in European Politics and International Relations
You live and you will work in a new political, social and economic environment shaped by the Europe of the twenty-first century. With the enlargement of the European Union to nearly 30 member states and the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, an understanding of contemporary Europe is vital. Twenty first century Europe is radically different from the divided Europe of the Cold War period. National boundaries within Europe are becoming increasingly fluid, and in years to come there will be much lively debate about future directions. European Studies focuses on a number of disciplines to grasp the extent of these changes. European studies also offers a route into understanding the political, social and economic trends shaping contemporary Europe. By taking a New Route PhD in European Studies you will look at the forces which have moulded Europe and which will influence its, and your, future.
This programme offers graduates a fresh, fast-track approach to doctoral study in politics and international relations. It provides a framework that allows you to begin your PhD study immediately by including Master's level credits in its opening stages, thus easing you into the independent research of your selected thesis.
The New Route PhD is fully equivalent to a 'traditional' PhD, as it has approval from the UK government, HEFCE and the British Council, and meets the principles established by the Quality Assurance Agency of the UK.
The full-time programme is designed to last for four years; it is possible to withdraw at the MA stage, or to complete parts of the programme on a part-time basis.
Read more about the New Route PhD.
The NewRoutePhD™ programme
The NewRoutePhD™ (NRP) programme is a national initiative provided by a network of collaborating UK universities. This innovative programme has the full support of the UK government, the Higher Education Funding Council of England (HEFCE) and the British Council. It satisfies UK doctoral standards, including normal quality assurance mechanisms such as the provision of external examiners. In addition, the principles established by the Quality Assurance Agency of the UK, are also met by this programme.
This ground-breaking scheme is fully equivalent to the highly regarded traditional PhD. Currently the scheme has in excess of 34 leading UK universities offering this programme.
Why should I study by the NewRoutePhD programme?
The NRP in European Politics and International Relations (IR) is a 4 year programme of study. It provides an exciting alternative to the traditional UK PhD programme as it offers a 'fast track' pathway to enable students with good honours degrees to complete a PhD without having to complete a Master's programme.
Essentially, students study a range of Master's (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications Level 7) units during the first year and gradually move over to a full research orientation as the programme develops. This approach provides the highest quality of taught materials and practical experience alongside advanced research. The integrated approach offers students inter-disciplinary study opportunities. This means that students can not only broaden and deepen their subject knowledge, but it also helps them to develop multidisciplinary skills, essential when embarking on commercial, not-for-profit or public sector careers.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of the NRP is that by learning more about related subjects it is possible to refine and develop the research proposal prior to embarking on the thesis. Not surprisingly, the student experience as well as the standing and value of the awards of the NewRoutePhD™ constitutes a truly significant development in the provision of educational excellence.
How is a New Route PhD different from a traditional PhD?
The essential difference is that the NewRoutePhD can take four years whereas the traditional PhD usually takes three years full time study to complete. During the extra (first) year, NewRoute students complete a series of taught Master's level 7 units, in both their subject area and in research skills.
Can I do it full-time?
Yes. The New Route PhD is designed for those who wish to study fulltime.
Can I do it part-time?
Yes. You can elect to do some or all of the degree part-time (for example, 60 credits in year one and 60 credits in year two). However, as the programme would take up to eight years if undertaken completely part time, it is recommended that at least some of the programme is undertaken on a full-time basis.
Can I do it by distance learning?
No. Attendance at the taught Master's level 7 units is required and only available on campus.
Who will supervise my work?
During the first year you will be appointed a Mentor. This person will help you settle into the University and assist you in managing your studies. Mentors are appointed because they have a wide experience of academic life. In particular they will provide assistance and advice with any personal issues that may arise and direct you to university-wide resources that may be helpful. Academically, mentors help with your studies and advise about which units to study.
As students near the completion of their taught units in the first year, they are required to develop their research proposals. Mentors provide advice in this process. As students progress to the PhD programme, a supervisory team, including a First Supervisor, is appointed. This person will have specific subject knowledge and work closely with their students as their studies progress.
SSHLS has a list of supervisors experienced in working with doctoral students across a range of topic areas. Once you have completed your taught units and finalised your research proposal, you will be matched with a supervisor whose expertise lies in your proposed area of research. The First Supervisor may be the same person who acted as Mentor, but in most cases a new person takes over the main supervisory role.
What will I study?
Students are required to take and pass a minimum of 120 Master's (FHQE Level 7) units. Students are governed by the normal University of Portsmouth academic rules and regulations that govern each unit and related assessments.
If registered as full-time, students are required to complete the 120 Level 7 credits in the first year of study. Part time students may complete the credits over the first two years of study. The units should reflect each student’s specialist interests and be directly related to their intended research topic. The units can be drawn from the range of Master's programmes across the Faculty. Research training is also required and this is delivered by the Graduate School Development Programme.
Once the 120 credits been achieved, students become fully active in researching and preparing their thesis. It is at this point that academic progression and appraisal will now apply as per a traditional PhD.
What if I change my mind about completing a PhD?
If, after completing the 120 credits, you decide that a PhD is not for you, you can take your 120 credits onto a Master's programme and can exit with an MA on successful completion of a 60 credit dissertation.