Politics and Contemporary History MPhil/PhD

Overview

This programme is offered within the Department of Political Economy, and focuses on research into politics, policy-making, and government in Britain in the recent past. We understand this broadly to include local politics, society and activism, economic policy and the City of London, as well as central government, foreign policy, political parties and Whitehall. Current supervisors include Dr Michael Kandiah, Professor Pat Thane, Dr Andrew Blick and Professor Roger Mortimore.

Within the Department of Political Economy, the Centre for British Politics and Government includes the Witness Seminar programme formerly run by the Institute of Contemporary British History, and works with History & Policy, directed by Dr Andrew Blick, which works for better public policy through an understanding of history by connecting historians, policy makers and the media.

Examples of research projects

For examples of current staff research projects and PhD projects, see academic profiles and PhD student profiles. We also have a variety of research groups that each lead some specific research activities.

Information is current, but staff members can change.

Course Detail

All students on the doctoral programme are initially registered for an MPhil. At the beginning of the programme you will work with your supervisors to assess your individual training needs. You will use this to develop a personalised training schedule that draws on foundational and advanced courses made available to you through the King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies, the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS-DTP) and the Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network. These courses will hone your academic skills and prepare you for the demands of your specific research project.

After around 12 months (or the part time equivalent), you will demonstrate that you are ready for formal upgrade to the PhD programme. This involves the examination of a substantial document that shows (i) you have identified an original and interesting research problem and (ii) you have the skills and expertise to tackle it within the time available.

You will be supported throughout your PhD by two academic supervisors, who will provide expert advice and guidance on your progress and your project. Your project will culminate in the submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words in length. Full-time students must submit their thesis within four years of the start of their registration. Part-time students must submit within seven years.

Head of group/division

The Post-Graduate Research Director is Dr Rubén Ruiz Rufino (ruben.ruiz_rufino@kcl.ac.uk), who can be contacted for specific enquiries. General questions about the application process should be directed to the Postgraduate Admissions Team.