PhD at the School of International Studies

Introduction to the Program

The PhD Program at the School of International Studies at The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) is a a three to four-year postgraduate degree program taught in English.

About UNNC

The University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) was the first Sino-foreign university to open its doors in China. Established in 2004, with the full approval of the Chinese Ministry of Education, we are run by The University of Nottingham with cooperation from Zhejiang Wanli Education Group, a key player in the education sector in China.




The University of Nottingham is in the top one percent of more than 7,500 higher education institutions worldwide and league tables consistently rank the University highly. For more info visit the page here.

About the Program

The PhD in International Studies is a programme of doctoral study for students who would like to undertake advanced research in preparation for an academic or related career. The PhD programme can be taken full-time over 3 years (for primary research) plus up to one year for writing up of the thesis, or part-time over 6 years for primary research plus up to 2 years for writing up. If admitted to this degree, students will conduct their own research under the guidance of two academic supervisors, one based at the University’s China campus and another at the UK campus. Graduates will be awarded a University of Nottingham UK degree, which is also recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education.

Taking a research degree allows you the freedom to study a topic of interest in-depth, with the help of two academic supervisors. The School’s international environment and its world-class research provide an ideal home for postgraduate research. Please see the areas of supervision offered by staff members of the School.

PhD students are encouraged to play an active role in the School’s activities and events, as well as in the Institute of Asia and Pacific Studies (IAPS), which is based at the School. IAPS seminars and other School research events provide a major part of the intellectual life of the School. The School and IAPS also offer an ideal framework for students to undertake supervised research by attracting Visiting Fellows from other leading universities and guest speakers from across the globe, as well as hosting a wide range of events, conferences and workshops.

Areas of Supervision

The School of International Studies welcomes applications from prospective PhD students in the following areas.

• History of global trade in the 19th and 20th century
• History of childhood and children
• History of families and women in the 20th century
• Chinese history and historiography of the 19th and 20th century
• Russian and Soviet history of the 19th and 20th century
• Cold War

• China’s foreign relations
• Sino-Russian relations
• China-Africa relations
• French politics
• African politics
• American politics
• European and EU politics

• Statebuilding, peacebuilding, war & conflict analysis
• Global civil society, NGOs
• International and political sociology
• Nationalism
• Imperialism/Colonialism
• Democratisation
• Ethnic politics
• International law and norms
• Development politics
• Politics of crime, drugs and policing
• Politics of reproduction and population
• War and gender
• Socialism and gender
• Environmental studies
• Human security issues

Entry Requirements

Applicants for research programmes would normally be expected to have graduated or be about to graduate from a Masters degree in a relevant subject, with an average of over 60% (or its equivalent).

The following will be considered when making an offer:

1. academic performance during the undergraduate and postgraduate study
2. ranking and fame of the university where the applicant graduates from
3. research papers published in international academic journals
4. quality of the research proposal
5. research potential and attitude
6. Important awards granted before
7. Very related work experience
8. English proficiency

Start Date of the program

September

Application Deadline

Applications can be made throughout the year, although you must allow at least one month for processing your application before the commencement of the programme.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are RMB90000 each year. The total tuition fee for the 4 year program is 360000 RMB.

Accommodation

The University has several buildings designated for international students, building 11, 18 and 20. All rooms are fully furnished and equipped with air conditioning and a telephone and computer point; enabling students to make and receive telephone calls and access the University’s data network from their bedrooms. For further information on the accommodation visit the accommodation page here.