The POLIS PhD aims to foster original research of the highest calibre. The department is committed to methodological pluralism, and welcomes applications from candidates working in different research traditions. Each PhD candidate is assigned a principal supervisor. He or she will help develop the thesis project through discussion and the review of draft materials presented by the candidates. There is also a second supervisor who supports the work of the candidate. Ordinarily, the second supervisor will offer an additional perspective to the candidate, although he or she will not be as involved in the on-going work as the first supervisor. In the first year, there is a focus on training in research methods and transferable skills. In addition, the thesis outline is refined and initial research is conducted. At the conclusion of the first year of study, there is a Registration Exercise. Definite registration for the degree only occurs after that exercise has been passed successfully. The second and third years of the programme are principally dedicated to research and writing. Throughout the programme the department hosts PhD seminars, lectures, training sessions and other events. These allow candidates to benefit from presentations covering a number of areas relevant to their work, to present their own work, and to also prepare to enter the job market. Candidates can submit after three years, and must submit after four. POLIS accepts PhD students for a wide variety of topics within the field of Politics and International Studies, but a background in politics, international relations, law, economics or history is an advantage. PhD students should expect to enter the Department in October as we no longer accept entry at other times due to the fact that the research training begins in Michaelmas term.