PhD Degrees

Our Research Degrees

The University offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) We also offer a distance learning PhD – allowing you to gain a MIU research degree wherever you are in the world. Most PhD degree programmes start in October or January. Other start dates may be possible and applications can be submitted at any time. PhD students complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. The research is normally completed over a maximum period of 3.0-3.5 years (campus based PhD) or 4.0-5 years (distance learning PhD).

Supervision and Research

 Areas We offer PhD supervision in areas compatible with the research interests of our academic staff including:

CRIMINOLOGY PhD

• Conflict, Security and International Development

• Cultures, Subcultures, and Deviancy

• Peacebuilding, Security and Justice

• Penology

• Globalisation and Security

 ECONOMICS PhD

• Industrial Organisation

• Public Economics

• Political Economy

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS PhD

• Diplomacy

• International Relations

• Political Theory

 LAW PhD

• Civil Justice and Criminal Justice Systems

• Commercial Law and Taxation

• Public Administration and Economic Regulatory Policy

• Criminal Law

• Criminology, International Criminal Law and Criminal Justice

• European Union Law

• Family Law

• Healthcare Law

• Human Rights and Public Policies

• Public International Law

MANAGEMENT PhD

• Business Administration

• Business Ethics

• Marketing and Consumption

• Accounting and Finance

• Human Resource Management

Distance Learning PhD

The distance learning PhD programme is ideal for those who are based away from Miami or who want to combine working for a research degree with their professional and personal commitments. Our distance learning PhDs offer a more flexible way to study for a research degree – allowing you to undertake a MIU PhD wherever you are based in the world. As with the campus based PhD, you will undertake a substantial research project that is written up as a thesis of 80,000 words and defended in an oral exam (the viva voce) before a degree can be awarded.

 Qualification

 There is no difference between the distance learning PhD qualification and the campus based equivalent.

 Supervisory Support

 All distance learning PhD research students are allocated a personal supervisor who will help you plan and manage your research and develop your understanding of relevant research methodology. You’ll keep in touch with your supervisor through regular supervisory meetings provided online or by telephone.

Research Skills Training

Distance learning PhD research students undertake a structured programme of research training, delivered entirely through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings, and discussion through the University’s online virtual learning environment. The training covers core skills including:

• Requirements of the PhD degree and expectations for the thesis

• Finding and reviewing academic literature

• Formulating and refining research questions

• Research ethics

• Academic writing

• Quantitative research and analysis

• Qualitative research and analysis

University Resources

Alongside this core training, distance learners have access to a range of online resources and materials to help you:

• develop an effective working relationship with your supervisor

• develop your broader academic writing skills including related concepts such as referencing and avoiding plagiarism plan and manage the writing of your thesis and prepare for the viva exam

 You’ll also have access to the University Library’s online resources for distance learning researchers including remote access to some electronic journals, books, and databases.

Visiting MIU

Distance learning PhD research students are registered on probation for the first twenty-four months of their degree. Over this period you will complete your research skills training and your overall suitability for a PhD programme will be monitored. At the end of this period your progress will be assessed and, subject to this being satisfactory, you can then continue with your degree. You will be required to visit MIU both for your probation review and for your viva exam at the end of your degree. You are not required to visit MIU at any other time, but distance learners are welcome to do so should they wish to:

• meet their supervisor or fellow researchers

• use facilities such as the University Library

• attend training sessions or other University events for researchers