Research for the degrees of MPhil and DPhil in Social and Political Thought can be supervised across a wide range of areas in contemporary social and political thinking, and in the history of social and political thought. There are about 20 students, from a variety of national and disciplinary backgrounds, currently studying for research degrees in SPT. Supervision is available on topics which relate to the research interests of faculty and applicants are welcome to discuss potential proposals with faculty prior to applying formally.

Research students, whether full-time or part-time, are normally required to take one or more research training courses during the first year of their study for the MPhil or DPhil, although they can apply for exemption from some or all of it if appropriate. They must pass the courses to proceed to the second year of their research.

Some research students are also required to take courses from the MA and where this is the case, you will be notified of this requirement. Others are welcome to sit in on MA courses, with the tutor's agreement, and we have research students who do so every year.

Applicants for MPhil or PhD research degrees are normally expected to have a Master's degree in a related area.

For further information on the MPhil or PhD programmes, please contact the Programme Convenor, Gordon Finlayson, j.g.finlayson@sussex.ac.uk

For details of how to apply, see the postgraduate prospectus.