PhD Degrees in Political Science in Scotland in United Kingdom. A highlight of our doctoral studies programme is the unique DDipl (Doctor of Diplomacy) degree. It is unique because it is specially designed for working professionals and is taught at a range of venues, often with direct input from senior practitioners. The course brings together best practice in academic learning and professional expertise. A unique feature of the face-to-face aspect of the course is weekend seminars allowing maximum opportunity for discussion of key issues, linked with the use of multiple study venues in London, Brussels, Moscow and Washington DC, to name just some. The DDipl consists of two parts. The taught part will last two academic years for a full-time student. In their final year, PhD candidates will complete a thesis in which they will reflect on pertinent issues of diplomacy in light of the theory and conceptual knowledge they have gained over the course of their degree as well as independent research. What makes us different? Entry requirements Academic requirements A minimum of a second-class Honours degree or equivalent (2.1 degree or equivalent preferred) in a relevant subject with a minimum of six years professional experience in a relevant context and/or A Masters qualification in a relevant subject with a minimum of three years professional experience in a relevant context (merit degree or equivalent preferred) Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate work/life experience are encouraged to apply English language requirements If English is not your first... [-]

The degree is based on three to four years of full-time research. Each student follows an individual training programme designed with their supervisor and the Postgraduate Adviser. This programme is reviewed and updated on an annual basis. In the first year, students acquire a wide range of research skills and formulate their research question and related design, under the guidance of their supervisors. At the end of their course of study students submit a thesis and are examined in an oral examination (viva voce) by two examiners (usually one internal to the university, the other external.) The thesis is a long piece of research on a topic of particular interest to the student and makes an original contribution to the field of politics and international relations. Research Training All new research students follow a programme of research training, drawn from the MSc by Research courses coordinated by the Graduate School of Social and Political Science and Politics & International Relations-specific training. The programme equips students with professional training to a high standard. After graduating you can expect to be a strong candidate for careers in a wide variety of contexts, including academia, the media, the private sector and a diverse array of public services. Nearly everyone needs good researchers! Politics & IR facilitates the acquisition of a range of transferable skills above and beyond those required by their specific projects, such as organising seminars and conferences, learning how to apply for research jobs in and out of academia, and learning... [-]