The PhD
The PhD requires three years of research and a full doctoral dissertation.
Applicants without a masters degree equivalent to the SASP MLitt will be admitted initially to the MLitt. Progression to the PhD from the MLitt requires a separate application the following year, and is conditional on satisfactory performance in the MLitt. Admission to the PhD depends on two conditions: (1) There must be a suitable supervisor for your intended project; and (2) you must do well in the M.Litt. The requirement for continuing to the SASP PhD is an average of at least 16 overall in the MLitt, on the St Andrews 20-point grading scale. Because of the second condition, acceptance into the PhD can only be officially confirmed in September, after your dissertation has been assessed.
Applicants with a masters degree equivalent to the SASP MLitt can apply for direct entry to the PhD.
The deadline for PhD applications to the SASP programme beginning in 20012/13 is 6th February 2012. This deadline applies to all new applicants who wish to proceed directly to the PhD in 2012/13, and to current SASP MLitt students who wish to stay on for the PhD in 2012/13.
The SASP Joint Committee will meet in mid-March to make admission decisions and to allocate SASP funding (and AHRC studentships) for incoming students. To be considered for admission and/or funding, your complete application must be received by 6th February 2012. (Please note that this is also the deadline for receipt of all supporting documents – such as transcripts, references, and research proposals. It is your responsibility to ensure that your referees meet this deadline.)
To be admitted to the PhD, you need a specific research proposal for your thesis. We would also need to find someone who is willing and able to supervise your topic. You should also feel free to approach members of staff directly yourself. You can get an idea of individual research interests from the departmental websites of St Andrews and Stirling.
