Graduate Studies (Research)
We welcome applications from suitably qualified students interested in studying PhD and MPhil degrees in the School. Staff in the School can supervise postgraduate research students in a range of subjects which fall within the areas covered by our Research Clusters (Environmental Change; Past Cultural Change; Space, Society and Culture). Further details of the work and interests of staff can be found via the Staff and Research Pages.
An MPhil is normally a programme of study lasting 2 years duration and is awarded for the presentation of a satisfactory thesis and the passing of an oral examination. The candidate must demonstrate that they have acquired an advanced level of knowledge and understanding in the field of study; has an understanding of research methods appropriate to the chosen field; is capable of relating knowledge of particular topics to the broader field of study involved and of presenting such knowledge in a critical and scholarly way; can show an independence of approach, powers of observation and a knowledge of the literature of the subject.
A PhD normally represents 3 years of duration, in which the key activity is undertaking research, combined with appropriate training. A candidate must pass an oral examination and present a satisfactory thesis which makes a distinct contribution to knowledge; affords evidence of originality as shown by the discovery of new facts, the development of new theory or insight or the exercise of independent critical powers; contains an acceptable amount of original work by the candidate which is of publishable standard, either in the form of articles in appropriate refereed journals or as the basis of a book or research monograph; is written to a standard acceptable for academic and professional communication.
Generic information on postgraduate study at Queen's may be found via the Postgraduate Office Web pages: http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateStudents/
Specific queries on research postgraduate degrees in GAP can be addressed to the Postgraduate Co-ordinator, Dr Keith Lilley (k.lilley@qub.ac.uk).
Projects and Applications
There are two main ways of deciding what to study: to plan a project yourself, and then find a suitable University and supervisor to assist you in refining the aims and objectives. You need the appropriate supervision first and foremost. Often, enquiring of us here in GAP can help you refine your idea into a project we can assist you with. You can then either seek funding for your own project, or allow us to consider the project for support here. At this point, because we are seeking support, others may apply to do the same project. The second method of choosing a project is to examine the projects staff here in GAP have proposed (advertised here in autumn-winter of each year). This is competitive both in terms of the project, but also for funding. You may have private funding but wish to apply for an advertised project, which is acceptable, but this may not guarantee a place. Application for both a place to study and for funding is made centrally, via the internet (no paper applications are accepted).
The process is very simple and can be followed through the link: https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal ; we strongly advise you to read the guidance notes provided in the pages: http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/ProspectiveStudents/PostgraduateStudents/ApplyingtoQueens/
Funding
There are two means of funding a research degree: to pay privately (part-time or full-time) or to obtain partial or complete funding from an outside body. To obtain funding, students are encouraged to seek financial support themselves, of which there are a number of sources such as charities, research councils, industrial sources, private bequests. The number of funding sources is great, but can be reduced by reference to the subjects and University specified. The School is also awarded a number of studentships each year, from the same sources (applied for by us) as well as a quota system from the Department of Education and Learning. These are attached to specific projects, developed by staff, which are advertised via the School web site, notice boards and via mailings to colleagues and other departments. The number of these awards varies from year to year. There is often a residency requirement for much funding (UK, EU residency) and the nature of funding may vary for non-UK students. Funding is sometimes available for international students, although competition for these awards is fierce and the UK government is currently reviewing such funding streams.
Prospective students are advised to look up funding requirements via the Postgraduate Office web site http://www.qub.ac.uk/home/Research/PostgraduateOffice for details. Closing dates will vary depending upon specific scholarships; however, our main body of studentships are advertised in early autumn, with closing dates generally early in the New Year, but this will vary from year to year.
