Support

The Department prides itself on its sense of community and the support it provides to its Graduate School. We are a close knit department, university and town making students feel welcome from their very first visit.

Support

Both students and supervisors are supported by the Director of Post-Graduate Research, who oversees the supervisory process with a view to making certain that the highest standards are maintained and issues or problems that arise during your studies are addressed appropriately.

Beyond the support of your supervisor and the department, the University's student support services are also available to provide support on a wide range of academic and personal issues during your time at Aberystwyth University.

Resources

The Department of International Politics offers support for students undertaking PhD research. All PhD students are provided with shared office space and photocopying allowance as well as library and Information Services resources. Aberystwyth is also home to the National Library of Wales, which is a copyright library. Finally, the Department covers the costs for Postgraduate membership of one related professional organisation such as BISA, PSA or UACES. 

Professional Development

Professional development is regarded as an integral part of the PhD programme.

Each year PhD students are required to present aspects of their research to their peers and to members of staff. In the third year PhD students present the entire project to the International Politics Research Seminar (IPRS), which is attended by the entire PhD community and all research and teaching staff. Distinguished speakers from outside the Department also take part in the IPRS seminar.

PhD students also benefit from an ongoing series of professional development workshops that address issues ranging from the challenges of writing and research to issues related to publishing and entering the job market. The aim of these workshops is to ensure that Aberystwyth PhD students are prepared for the next stage of their careers: intellectually and professionally.

As part of their career development, PhD students can also take a range of courses and training with the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Unit.