Key Information
Award PhD, MPhil
How to apply

Please visit our 'how to apply for an MPhil or PhD research degree' web page for details.


International applicants should also visit our 'international' web pages.

Mode of attendance Full-time: there are no fixed attendance times for this course (attendance as appropriate), but attendance at relevant sessions of the University’s postgraduate training programme is encouraged (no additional fee).
Duration 3 years: PhD
1.5 years: MPhil
Start dates Throughout the year: the date for commencement of study will be agreed with your supervisor.
Entry requirements (typical offer) For the MPhil you should have at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1) in a relevant subject; upon satisfactory progress you will be able to transfer to the PhD. For the PhD you should have a masters degree in a relevant subject.

For applicants who have not studied their previous qualifications in English a TOEFL score of at least 575 (written)/230 (computer-based) or an academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 will be required. 

Normally, candidates are required to attend an interview. In the case of international applicants the interviews are conducted over the internet or by telephone.
Awarding body University of Bolton
Location University of Bolton:
Deane Campus, Deane Road, Bolton, BL3 5AB

 

Course overview

You may already be working professionally in the field you wish to research. You may already have extensive knowledge of your field. You may be a business professional with the basis of your research in mind, looking for a way to formalise and extend your knowledge and skills within the framework of a research degree.

The award of a UK doctorate is based solely upon individual research, presented in the form of a thesis.

We expect prospective candidates to have a good honours degree or its equivalent in a relevant discipline. You may also have an appropriate master’s degree, or other demonstrable research experience and writing skills.

The doctorate-level programmes at the Centre for Opposition Studies are intended for professionals, graduates and career-minded individuals with a particular interest in the area of political opposition.  Opposition is defined in its widest sense and as well as parliamentary opposition includes opposition through protest, social and mass media, pressure groups/lobbying and other extra-parliamentary means.  Supported by expert supervision from esteemed academics and practitioners, you will carry out in-depth research in the area that most interests you, culminating in a thesis which makes a contribution to knowledge, theory and/or practice.

Careers and professional development

Successful PhD candidates could pursue their career in academia or any sectors of the economy in their area of specialisation.

Subject overview

As a research student, you will be supported by a supervisory team of academics with industry experience who will guide you through the programme of your studies. You will be expected to participate in seminars, conferences, research training workshops and relevant events. It is also expected that you will have the commitment and willingness to assume responsibility for your personal development, and the intellectual capacity to assimilate, manipulate and master advanced levels of knowledge appropriate to your area of research.

Fees, funding and finance information

The cost to full time students is £12,000 a year with an expected completion within 3 years. 
The cost to part time students is £6,000 a year with an expected completion within 5 years.
(The University of Bolton charges the same study fees for both home and international CfOS students)

For further information please contact;

Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq
Director of the Centre for Islamic Finance
Email: mohammed.abdel-haq@bolton.ac.uk

Dr Nigel Fletcher
Research Director, Centre for Opposition Studies
Email: nigel@oppositionstudies.org

Dr Chris Grant
Head of Centre for Independant Academic Units
Email: c.grant@bolton.ac.uk