
Research Degrees
Why the ICWS?
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies offers a unique scholarly environment in which to pursue doctoral research. Doctoral candidates are able to draw on the wide-ranging expertise of staff in a supportive, friendly environment. The Institute is located in Bloomsbury, the heart of intellectual London; students at the Institute have access to the world-class Senate House libraries as well as to the libraries of all the colleges of the University of London.
The School of Advanced Study draws on its expertise in research and teaching to provide programmes of varied and challenging research and skills training. These programmes help support our students and graduate researchers in their wider preparation for careers, in academia or elsewhere.
Supervisors
The Institute of Commonwealth Studies 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. Students pursue their academic interests in the friendly and supportive environment of the Institute; their research is enhanced by the outstanding libraries of the University of London, including the Institute’s own prestigious collection.
Both residential and distance-learning research degrees are offered.
Funding opportunities are noted at the bottom of the page.
Supervisors

Dr Corinne Lennox
Senior Lecturer in Human Rights, Co-Director, Human Rights Consortium. Programme Director, MA in Human Rights by distance learning.

Professor Damien Short
Co-Director: Human Rights Consortium and Professor of Human Rights and Environmental Justice

Dr Sarah Singer
Senior Lecturer in Refugee Law, Programme Director, MA in Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies