Learning Goals

The PhD programme is organised around five distinct learning goals as follows:

• Identify and develop the critical knowledge, skill, and expertise required to thrive in an international research and teaching environment that is intensive, collaborative, enjoyable, and results-oriented;
• Appreciate and critique the philosophical foundations, theories, and practices of social science research;
• Identify, critique, and justify the key elements of an integrated programme of research leading to the award of a higher degree by research;
• Critically plan, conduct, and communicate rigorous, valid, and ethical research; and
• Critically examine and evaluate ongoing or completed research projects.

Structured Elements of the PhD Programme

New entrants and continuing students are required to follow a set of structured components which are central to the effective formation of all doctoral candidates. These components have been designed to support the routine and ongoing work involved in pursuing a programme of research leading to the award of a PhD degree. They provide in-depth learning and development opportunities tailored to meet the needs of PhD students. The structured components include:

Year 1

In the first year of enrolment, all PhD students must complete the core modules BU8510: Pursuing Excellence in Doctoral Research and BU8530: Social Science Research Philosophy. These modules provide a comprehensive introduction to the PhD programme along with an introduction to the philosophy of research in the social sciences. In addition, students must design and deliver one Research Practice Seminar which is scheduled as an integral part of BU8520: Sustaining Excellence in Research Practice whilst also completing the Additional Programme Requirements as set out below.

Year 2

Early in the second year of enrolment, each PhD student is required to design and deliver one Research Practice Seminar which is scheduled as an integral part of BU8520: Sustaining Excellence in Research Practice.

Year 3

In the third year of enrolment, each PhD student is required to design and deliver one Research Practice Seminar which is scheduled as an integral part of BU8520: Sustaining Excellence in Research Practice. Working closely with the Director of Doctoral Studies and academic supervisors, PhD students are expected to focus their research practice seminars on a Working Paper / Conference Paper / Book Chapter / Journal Article that addresses a critical element of their programme of research.

Year 4

In the fourth year of enrolment, each PhD student is required to design and deliver one Research Practice Seminar which is scheduled as an integral part of BU8520: Sustaining Excellence in Research Practice. Working closely with academic supervisors, PhD students make a preliminary defence of their programme of doctoral research. The seminar series has been designed to support PhD students in preparing the final draft of their PhD dissertation and planning for their VIVA VOCE examination. Open to all PhD students, this seminar series is normally scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the academic year.