CIWAS-Mainstay PhD Studentship in Middle East and Islamic Studies

Call for Applications

Centre for Islamic and West Asian Studies (CIWAS), Royal Holloway, University of London

Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Starting Date: September 2024

The Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London has announced the availability of 4 PhD studentship opportunities within the Centre for Islamic and West Asian Studies (CIWAS) in partnership with the Mainstay Foundation. This pioneering program solicits research on critical and timely issues relating to the politics and international relations of the Middle East and Muslim-majority societies. CIWAS encourages research projects that employ innovative and under-explored approaches, offering fresh perspectives on the people and politics of the Middle East and the broader Islamic world.

The Politics, International Relations, and Philosophy Department is a research-intensive unit engaged in a wide range of studies across the disciplines of politics, international relations, and philosophy. Along with the Centre for Islamic and West Asian Studies (CIWAS), it houses the Gender Institute, the Global Politics and Development Centre, the Democracy and Elections Centre, the Centre for International Security, and the New Political Communications Unit. Consequently, the department encourages PhD applicants who can propose research projects that link CIWAS with one of the other research centers in the department.

CIWAS welcomes comparative, cross-regional, or cross-national research, as well as projects focusing on specific countries or themes. This includes, but is not limited to, research questions on the Middle East covering modern history, political and social changes, religious authority, Islamism, gender dynamics, democracy and elections, the experiences of Muslims in Europe, diasporas, and media influence. Applicants with experience working in or researching lower- or middle-income countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Proficiency in relevant foreign languages and expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods will be highly regarded.

Successful applicants must possess a relevant Master’s-level qualification in a social science or Humanities discipline, or be expected to complete their Master’s studies before the commencement of the PhD program (with merit or equivalent). International applicants are also required to have a valid IELTS certificate, with an overall score of 6.5, a writing score of 7.0, and no other sub-score lower than 5.5, unless they have an English language university degree and have written their dissertation in English.

This funding covers a 3-year tuition fee and the UKRI-recommended stipend for each candidate; it is available for two students from the UK and two international students. Shortlisted candidates will be notified and invited to submit their official applications to the Royal Holloway Doctoral School Portal following an internal review. The start date for the studentship is September 2024.

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