PhD Security and Intelligence Studies by Research

BUCSIS has a vibrant programme of active research currently being undertaken in a range of security and intelligence issues, involving both the UK and overseas.

We are always looking for interesting new research proposals, and prospective candidates are welcome to approach Professor Richards with ideas in the first instance, by emailing julian.richards@buckingham.ac.uk.

Some of our current research projects include:

• Muhammad Tahir Mahmood is researching the judicial system, security and intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism in Pakistan under the question of “The Role of the Judicial System and Law Enforcement Agencies in Combating Terrorism”
• Bryony Norburn is working on intelligence history and Bletchley Park, researching the role that women played at Bletchley Park during the Second World War.
• Andreas Banoutsos is in the final stages of a DPhil degree, which conducts a comparative analysis of domestic security and intelligence agencies in the UK and Greece.
• Richard Hallows is researching cybersecurity policy in the UK.
• Diva Patang Wardak is conducting an evaluation of Afghanistan’s new intelligence agency, the NDS.
• Andreja Bogdanovski is currently examining the reasons behind states’ involvement in the process of securing ecclesiastical independence in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with special reference to the churches in North Macedonia, Montenegro and Ukraine.

About BUCSIS

BUCSIS was established in 2008 as a world-class centre for research into the key Security and Intelligence issues facing the UK and the world in the 21st century. The Centre is headed by a leading academic in the field, Professor Anthony Glees, and is supported by a research and teaching team led by Dr Julian Richards, a Security Studies specialist with a long experience of working in the UK government on defence and security policy issues.  More information about BUCSIS.

See also:

• Recent testimonials from BUCSIS students
• Read about what the BUCSIS teaching team has been working on (Summer 2017)

Applicants are normally expected to have a first or second class, upper division degree or significant experience. A Master’s degree is preferred.

Mature students

Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.

International students

We are happy to consider all international applications and if you are an international student, you may find it useful to visit our international pages for details of entry requirements from your home country.

The University is a UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor.

English levels

If English is not your first language, please check our postgraduate English language requirements. If your English levels don’t meet our minimum requirements, you may be interested in applying for our Pre-sessional English Language Foundation Programmes.

Selection process

Wherever possible, you will be invited to the University to meet the Admissions Tutor for an informal interview and to have a tour of our campus. If you are an international applicant, it may not be possible for you to visit in person, so if the Admissions Tutor has any queries about your application you may be conducted by Skype, email or phone.

Research Proposals

Applications should be accompanied by a research proposal. Advice on submitting a proposal is available as a PDF document: DPhil prospectus.

Our Admissions Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Call us on +44 (0)1280 820227 or email: admissions@buckingham.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions for prospective students

When you are offered a place at the University you will be notified of the terms and conditions between the University and students on our courses of study. When you accept an offer of a place on the course at the University a legal contract is formed between you and the University on the basis of the terms and conditions outlined in your offer letter. Your offer letter and the terms and conditions contain important information which you should read carefully before accepting an offer. Read the admissions terms and conditions > >

Quality teaching

We offer high quality, traditional Oxbridge-style teaching, which leads to our degrees being recognised around the world. The standards of degrees and awards are safeguarded by distinguished external examiners – senior academic staff from other universities in the UK – who approve and moderate assessed work.

High calibre staff

Most of our academic staff teach for three terms out of four, with the remaining term used for research. Because of this, we have no difficulty in attracting high calibre, highly respected lecturers, many of whom also have a background in business or industry and can offer networking opportunities for students.

Teaching methods

Candidates spend a considerable part of their studies undertaking supervised research, at the end of which they submit a thesis embodying the results of that research. This thesis must demonstrate familiarity with, and an understanding of the subject, its principal sources and authorities. It should display critical discrimination and a sense of proportion in evaluating evidence and the judgements of others. The subject should be dealt with in a competent and scholarly manner.

See the Research Degrees Handbook for further information.

Graduate employment

Our graduates have gone on to further study at most of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, London, Oxford and Cambridge and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. Among our alumni we have a graduate who became the head of his country’s civil service and one who became a leading Formula One motor-racing driver. Another secured a position as the Minister of Sabah and one female law graduate became the first British lawyer to become a French Advocate.

Postgraduate loan scheme

A new system of postgraduate loans for Masters degrees in the UK was introduced in August 2016 with support from the UK Government. The loan will provide up to £10,609 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. The loans can be used for tuition fees, living expenses or both.  Find out more >>

Scholarships

Details of scholarships can be found on our main Bursaries and Scholarships page. You should make an application to study at the University and receive an offer letter confirming our acceptance of your application before applying for a scholarship.

You may also find it useful to visit our External Funding page.

Due to the mode of study on this course you will not normally need a room in University accommodation during your degree.

However, if you require short-term accommodation in Buckingham we would be happy to provide a list of local bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Alternatively, please contact our Accommodation Office for advice.