PhD Refugee Care

We offer supervision in Refugee Care, allowing you to undertake research that introduces a therapeutic dimension and psychosocial perspectives to your work with asylum seekers, refugees and other involuntarily dislocated persons.

Our graduates go on to a number of different destinations either as practitioners or academics or researchers in spheres related to involuntary dislocation, working in international organisations, NGOs, local authorities, etc, as well as pursuing further studies in related areas. Many of our students who are already working in these fields, in various capacities, return to their existing contexts, substantially enriched by their studies with us, assuming higher or more responsible positions, addressing issues from more specialist perspectives.

There are two different programmes on offer. One is a PhD Refugee Care by research, only.

The second includes a taught component. The Taught PhD Refugee Care is available if you are able to pursue independent research, but first need preparation through two terms of a taught component. Over the Autumn and Spring term you will take the modules and assessments for the MA Refugee Care, followed by a research project and thesis beginning in the Summer term of the first year. It is especially useful if you have a postgraduate degree in another field but need a period of study in Refugee Care before proceeding to research and the award of a PhD.

For more information on this option, please email ppspgr@essex.ac.uk.

Our expert staff

Within our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, you will be allocated a supervisor whose role it is to guide you through the different stages of your research degree. In some cases, you may have joint supervision by two members of our staff.

The support provided by your supervisor is a key feature of your research student experience and you will have regular one-to-one meetings to discuss progress on your research. Initially, your supervisor will help you develop your research topic and plan.

Twice a year, you will have a supervisory board meeting, which provides a more formal opportunity to discuss your progress and agree your plans for the next six months.

Specialist facilities

If you are studying within our Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies, you will have access to our extensive facilities to aid your learning and research. In particular, our Albert Sloman Library is well stocked with books, journals, electronic resources and major archives relevant to our work and, in addition, we have our own library of specialist books and journals.

In addition, our strong connections to the local NHS and other organisations facilitate placements and institutional observations for our students.

Your future

Our graduates go on to a number of different destinations, including further study and training in psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis, or psychoanalytic psychotherapy.

Many of our students are already professionals, clinical and non-clinical, so return to their existing fields, either in jobs or further training, and use study with us to deepen their understanding of their work.

UK entry requirements

You will need a good Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related discipline. A well-developed research proposal is also essential.

You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

Successful completion of the course is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check (carried out by your placement provider).

English language requirements

Course structure

A research degree doesn't have a taught structure, giving you the chance to investigate your chosen topic in real depth and reach a profound understanding. In communicating that understanding, through a thesis or other means, you have a rare opportunity to generate knowledge. A research degree allows you to develop new high-level skills, enhance your professional development and build new networks. It can open doors to many careers.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We'll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website and in line with your contract with us. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, we'll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment

The main mode of teaching is by individual supervision. Each supervisory process is unique in its rhythm, style and content and, therefore, you and your supervisor should agree on the nature and timing of each stage of your research.

As a guideline, you might expect to spend the first year pf your PhD (or first two years, if part-time) undertaking your literature review and refining your research question/focus. In your second year (or third and fourth years, if part-time) you work on your methodology, data collection and data analysis. In your third year (or fifth and sixth years, if part-time): you complete your data analysis, final results, and drafting.

Dissertation

Within our Department, the normal period of study for a PhD is three years (six years if part-time or distance learning). Assessment is by submission of a thesis of no more than 80,000 words.

Research theses will be examined by two examiners, one internal and one external. An oral examination is usual for all PhD and doctoral theses.