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Centre for Institutions and Political Behaviour
London and Houses of Parliament

Why Choose a Supervisor in the CIPB?

Research fit:

  • CIPB is the ideal research centre for people interested in issues including partisanship, representation, voting behaviour, and political violence.
  • We offer supervision across multiple sub-areas within the fields of political behaviour and institutions.
  • This means CIPB can provide expert guidance for the development of research and analytical skills. 

 

More information on these specialisms can be found here


A supportive environment for our students:

  • Honing of research with world-class scholars through our NERD (North East Research Development) workshops

  • Engage with work outside of Durham with our outside speaker series, attracting researchers from all around the world

  • We also provide plentiful guidance and access to training opportunities, to help your development as a researcher

 

We’re a dynamic and friendly group of scholars!

 

  • Our Research

    CIPB is formed of an active group of scholars researching major developments in political systems in both past and present. Click below to find out more about some of our contributions.
    A research student Reading a book in Bill Bryson Library

  • Our Events

    We stage events which all CIPB members are welcome to get involved with, including our speaker series featuring academics from around the world, and our NERD workshops where we discuss ongoing research and provide feedback on our projects.
    A group of people, in discussion, sitting around a table at a conference

Our Research

CIPB is formed of an active group of scholars researching major developments in political systems in both past and present. Click below to find out more about some of our contributions.
A research student Reading a book in Bill Bryson Library

Our Events

We stage events which all CIPB members are welcome to get involved with, including our speaker series featuring academics from around the world, and our NERD workshops where we discuss ongoing research and provide feedback on our projects.
A group of people, in discussion, sitting around a table at a conference
Contact us

Guidance for Selecting a Potential PhD Topic & Supervisor

Do:

• Treat this as an opportunity to develop and showcase methods and
subject skills


• Focus on broader substantive questions


• Reach out to academic members of staff (CIPB and otherwise)

 

Don’t:

• Ignore the sign-up deadline. . .


• Focus on context. . . “I want to do something on country X”


• Be conservative and vague in your preferences

 

 

  • Hear From Some of Our Alumni

    Hear from some of our past alumni as they say why they chose to study in the CIPB, what they liked about their experience with us, and where it has led them.

    Graduating students lining up in the Castle courtyard

  • Contact Us

    You are also welcome to reach out to us for further details about the CIPB. We are happy to answer any questions or provide any guidance on how to join the centre. 

    telephone box in front of Durham Castle

Hear From Some of Our Alumni

Hear from some of our past alumni as they say why they chose to study in the CIPB, what they liked about their experience with us, and where it has led them.

Graduating students lining up in the Castle courtyard

Contact Us

You are also welcome to reach out to us for further details about the CIPB. We are happy to answer any questions or provide any guidance on how to join the centre. 

telephone box in front of Durham Castle