Area Studies Research (MPhil/PhD)
Conduct transformative research that tackles poverty, disease, and conflict, shaping aid, policy, and global understanding.
Key information
PhD
Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
Fees (UK / Overseas): Annual tuition fees apply and vary by student status and study mode.
See fees and funding
Start date: April 2026 / October 2026 / February 2027
Other research degree routes
MPhil:
A shorter research degree, often a pathway to PhD
PhD by Publication:
For researchers with an existing body of published work
Course summary
- Undertake independent Area Studies research across international relations, history, politics, economies, cultures, languages and geography, focused on the regions that matter to you.
- Explore a topic with global relevance 鈥 from the American civil rights movement and Europe鈥檚 relationship with Russia to conflict, security and peacebuilding in West Africa and beyond.
- Investigate and break down barriers of poverty, disease and civil turmoil caused by natural disasters and conflict, including how aid workers, charities and NGOs can work effectively within local cultures and communities.
- Join an internationally recognised research environment, with 100% of research rated outstanding or very considerable impact (REF 2021).
- Examine how identity and power shape lives worldwide, including the impact of gender, ethnicity and religion, and turn your findings into vital research you can share.
Find a supervisor
Why choose Area Studies at 海角视频 for research?
Research with real-world relevance
Explore issues such as conflict, development and cultural understanding across regions, producing work that informs policy, practice and international debate.
Supportive, cross-disciplinary environment
Work with experts across politics, history, languages and geography in a connected postgraduate community.
Researcher development and community
Benefit from Doctoral College training and a supportive research culture where you can test ideas, get feedback and build your network.
100%
of our impact was rated as having outstanding or very considerable reach and significance.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
/research/research-excellence-framework/ref-2021/area-studies100%
of our research environment was judged as having the vitality and sustainability to produce world-leading or internationally excellent research.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
/research/research-excellence-framework/ref-2021/area-studies#1
top modern university in the UK for research quality in Area Studies.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
/research/research-excellence-framework/ref-2021/area-studies
What our PhD students say
I鈥檓 fortunate enough to call my PhD research my job and it feels like you get a lot of freedom with that.
On top of earning my degrees, my work has been rewarded with competitive internal and external funding as well as a national undergraduate award for an essay and the opportunity to go and do a work placement with the BBC in Senegal."
Research areas in Area Studies
Explore the work we're doing across the four areas of expertise in our Area Studies research. Including funded and self-proposed research opportunities.
View available PhD projects and see funded opportunities.
African studies
We're building knowledge on conflict in West Africa, with a particular focus on issues in the West African Sahel.
French studies
Through our research, we're exploring the politics of France and French-speaking countries in the world.
Russian and Eurasian studies
We're learning about the issues on the EU's eastern borders, and how the UK and EU should react.
Research degree options in Area Studies
We offer several postgraduate research routes in Area Studies, including PhD, MPhil and PhD by Publication. Find out about our research degree opportunities below, including how to apply, entry requirements and funding your degree. You can apply for an existing project or propose your own research idea. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Available PhD and MPhil projects
You can apply for a pre-approved PhD or MPhil project, or develop your own research proposal.
There are currently no self-funded projects available in this subject area 鈥 for more information on funding your own research project, visit our pages on funding your research degree.
If you already have a research idea, find a supervisor whose research interests match yours by searching our Find a PhD Supervisor page. Once you've identified someone suitable, contact them to discuss your idea.
PhD by Publication
A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research you've already undertaken and had published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with us.
Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed. You'll have to submit these materials for examination between 6鈥12 months after registering with us.
From October 2026, all PhD by Publications will be completed by distance learning. However, there is no expectation that any student applying for a start date before this should be on campus.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate include an upper second class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master鈥檚 degree in an appropriate subject.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Fees and funding
April 2026
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
(Including EU Scholarship)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,006 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,503 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,200 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,600 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,006
- Members of staff: 拢2,000
All fees are subject to annual increase. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2025/26 please visit this page.
October 2026 and February 2027
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Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢5,238 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢2,619 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students may be eligible to receive our EU Scholarship.
- Full-time and full-time distance learning: 拢17,900 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time and part-time distance learning: 拢8,950 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- External candidates: 拢5,238
- Members of staff: 拢2,100
Additional fees
Some PhD projects may include additional bench fees for equipment and other consumables. These will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.
Funding support
Government Postgraduate Loan
Eligible for MPhil full-time and part-time courses (UK/EU students).
Government Doctoral Loan
Eligible for PhD full-time and part-time courses.
Other funding options
For information on other sources of funding, visit our funding your postgraduate research degree page.
What do my tuition fees cover?
If you are self-funding your PhD, your tuition fees cover the full cost of your postgraduate research programme and access to a wide range of academic, professional and support services, including:
Research training and development
Bespoke training, professional development courses, seminars, workshops and researcher-led events delivered through The Doctoral College.
Research community and support
Access to our research environment, Research and Innovation services, and researcher networking (77% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent, REF 2021).
Facilities, equipment and resources
Libraries, laboratories, computer rooms, laptops, electronic journals, specialist software (Microsoft Office, SPSS and Adobe Creative Suite), funding guidance and LinkedIn Learning. Explore our facilities.
Student support services
Including academic, financial, careers and wellbeing support, including access to personal tutors. Read more on our guidance support.
Your PhD programme
Registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and viva administration.
Conference and development support
A contribution towards attending conferences or research-related development activities.
Students' Union membership
Giving you the right to vote in elections, join clubs and societies, and get free independent advice.
Graduation
Your graduation ceremony will recognise the significant contribution your research has made to your discipline.
Support and facilities
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Support from our Doctoral College, helping you become part of a thriving, collaborative research community
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Guidance from a dedicated supervisory team throughout your research degree
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Access to the , offering specialist training, workshops and research events to develop your skills as a researcher
What can a postgraduate research degree do for my career?
A postgraduate research degree develops advanced expertise and transferable skills valued across academia, industry and the public sector.
You鈥檒l graduate with:
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Advanced research and analytical expertise
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Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Experience managing complex, independent projects
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Strong communication and presentation skills
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Leadership and research management capability
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Deep subject knowledge in your chosen field
How to apply
You can apply for a research degree in Area Studies by completing our online application form. For more detailed information about the application process, visit our How to Apply pages.
Not ready to apply just yet?
Get in touch
We're here to help. Feel free to ask us a question.
Come to an Open Evening
Why not come to our next open evening? Open evenings are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campus and get all the information you need.
- MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
- PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
- PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time
We recommend you get in touch with the relevant subject area supervisor using our 鈥Find a Supervisor鈥 tool ahead of applying. You can discuss your research ideas with them and ensure we have supervisory expertise to support you.
Yes. You can apply with your own research proposal, or apply for one of our advertised funded projects.
Where next?
Find out more about 海角视频's postgraduate opportunities and community.
Postgrad Research Degrees Webinar series
From applications to flexible study 鈥 get the insights you need to plan your research degree.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
