PhD at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies

Undertaking doctoral research allows you to develop in-depth knowledge while making a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

With guidance from our expert supervisors, you'll carry out extensive independent research culminating in a thesis of up to 100,000 words. Broadly speaking the focus of research degrees has increasingly been on the humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalization and development, politics, and Commonwealth history.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On completing this course, you'll be well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies

The Institute of Commonwealth Studies (ICwS) is the only postgraduate academic institution in the UK devoted to the study of the Commonwealth. The Institute has been supervising interdisciplinary doctoral degrees for over half a century.

The focus of research degrees has increasingly been on the humanities and cognate social sciences, particularly on the subjects of human rights, globalization and development, politics, and Commonwealth history.

You'll pursue academic interests in the friendly and supportive environment of the Institute, where your research will be enhanced by the outstanding libraries of the University of London, including the Institute’s prestigious collection. The Institute offers a unique scholarly environment and you'll be able to draw on the wide-ranging expertise of our staff.

The School of Advanced Study

The School of Advanced Study at the University of London brings together eight internationally renowned research institutes to form the UK's national center for the support of researchers and the promotion of research in the humanities.

The School of Advanced Study (SAS), University of London brings together 9 internationally-renowned research institutes to form the UK's national centre for the support and promotion of research in the humanities.

Seven of the School's institutes offer a range of taught Master's programmes and doctoral supervision in their areas of expertise in: History, Art history, French / German / Hispanic / Italian / Portuguese cultures and literatures, English Studies, Law, Politics and international development, Human rights, Commonwealth Studies, Latin American Studies, Refugee Studies, International corporate governance and financial regulation, and Taxation.